Stellar Win For Hoppers Under The Stars

Seniors: First XV: 20th September 2024

Old Priorians

12

30

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers travelled the short distance to Twyford Ave Sports Ground, Acton against local rivals Old Priorians Friday Night "Home” game under the lights. Gs again had a couple of positional changes from last week with Chris Farrell and Alfie Stuart making First XV starts and seeing the return of Tom O’Halloran With a stiff wind blowing across the pitch Gs kicked off the match, play stayed in midfield but as Gs pressed forward they were awarded a Penalty which Conor Gilmore duly slotted after 5 minutes to open the scoring 0-3. Gs continued to have the best of the play, and this resulted in Conor Gilmore slotting a further Penalty from just in OPs half to move 0-6 ahead after 9 minutes. From the restart play remained even Gs pressed forward into OPs 22, but Ops cleared their line only for Gs to push them back into their 22 maintaining the forward momentum with OPs unable to make much progress into Gs half, Gs maintained the pressure seeing Chris Brown break from half way and evade several defenders to run in a Try under the posts with Conor Gilmore adding the extras after 28 minutes to stretch the lead to 0-13. Gs poured forward from the restart seeing Louis Brown drive hard through Centre field and Gs were soon on OPs line and after a couple of quick phases Tom O’Halloran went over for a Try (unconverted) in the corner after 32minutes 0-18. Again, from the restart it was all Gs but they were unable to add to the score and so we reached Half Time. OPs came to life at the start of the Second Half playing quicker and with more intensity taking play at Gs and from a 5metre line out catch and drive scored a Try (unconverted) after 44 minutes 5-18. Gs responded well driving forward but OPs defended well as Gs took play to OPs, but they again rallied taking play up to Gs line and were rewarded with a Try (converted) after 55 minutes to reduce the deficit to 12-18. Gs again took play to OPs and from fine team play kept OPs in their 22, OPs defended well and cleared their line taking play up to Gs 22, Gs defence held firm and again drove up field and so we entered the final 10 minutes with Gs pushing into OPs 22 and from a scrum on OPs line the ball went to a charging Conor Gilmore to  power over for a Try (converted by himself) after 75 minutes 12-25. With the minutes ticking by Gs went in pursuit of the Bonus Point Try and with the clock in the red Callum McCormack scored that Try (unconverted) ably assisted by Rohan Love to complete the win 12-30 and collect 5 league points. Yet another outstanding team performance well done to all 18 players involved. Next week Gs are at home to Aylesbury RFC KO at 3pm, Syon Lane. Report compiled by Ron Chapman.