The speed of thought and deed from Mowden in the first half, blew the visitors away, scoring six tries, four of which were converted, securing an early try-bonus point and buoying the hopes of the home supporters and the team that victory was assured. The scoreboard was activated from the off after two minutes, with a combined attack from Mowden, resulting in the first of BUTTERILL’s brace and early points from the conversion for full back Flynn WARD (7 - 0).

However, in their only blot of the first half, from the restart, though initially securing the ball, their kick to clear their lines, they managed to get ahead of the kick and were penalized well inside of their own 22-metre line. A burly set of Hoppers saw their opportunity for the catch and-drive lineout and duly obliged, levelling the score, when hooker Harry Holden burrowed over for the score (7 – 5), which impressive full back Sam Freeman converted (7 – 7)

Effectively, after five minutes of play, Hoppers were then second best in every facet of play, as Mowden scored with increasing regularity, with the second try coming from home centre Jacob OLIVER, when finding himself in space out wide with one defender to beat. He chipped ahead and then re-gathered to score wide out (12 – 7).

A strong burst through defenders brought the third try, when after constant pressure in the danger zone, second row Kieran FORBES barged his way over for the score (17 – 7).

Try number four resulted from a clean break out of defence and two kicks ahead, bounced nicely into the hands of Mowden Vice Captain Liam CHECKSFIELD’s hands, allowing him to sprint in for the score (22 – 7). This time the conversion was successful from full back Flynn WARD (24 – 7).

Hoppers tried in vain to stem the flow, with some brave defence, but the relentless nature of Mowden’s offence, brought further first half tries from hooker Harrison WOOD and CHECKSFIELD weighed in for his brace, both converted by WARD, for a half time score of 38 – 7.

It appeared as though Hoppers couldn’t wait for the sanctuary of the changing rooms at oranges, whereas in contrast Mowden were disappointed with hearing the official’s whistle to call a halt to the first half. It was more of the same on resumption of play, when BUTTERILL grabbed a try for his brace to increase the lead to 43 – 7. However, a combination of factors soon after conspired against Mowden, which halted their free-flowing play in the first 40-odd minutes. When Mowden’s hooker WOOD was sin-binned whilst interfering with what the officials decided was a clear scoring opportunity, awarding a penalty try (43 - 14) The subsequent front row disruption added to Mowden’s worries.

Hoppers, to their credit, fought back strongly scoring two quick converted tries, to reduce the deficit to a more respectable 43 – 28, securing their own try-bonus point.

As Mowden settled, normal service in the context of the game resumed, when first replacement Simon UZOKWE barged over, quickly followed by hooker WOOD, who grabbed his brace and with both converted by WARD, Mowden re-established a hold on the game (57 – 28).

Perhaps fittingly, Hoppers scored the final try of a thoroughly entertaining game at The Darlington Arena, with the conversion by Hoppers stand out player Freeman the final act (57 – 35)

MOTM - Jacob Butterill

NEXT UP - MOWDEN TRAVEL TO THE WOODLANDS HQ OF FYLDE RFC.
AS ALWAYS THOUGH – COME ON PARK !!