HOPPERS chalked up their ninth consecutive win in this fourth round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup tie.

The home side proved to be more of a test than they were at Lightfoot Green in September when Hoppers won 34-0, but, although the score was far from decisive, the visitors always seemed to have enough fire power to clinch the win.

After the first quarter a comfortable win looked likely when Hoppers went 14-0 up with a try by Anton Cramant after a break by Russell Flynn. Paul Bailey who kicked both conversions. Sheffield clawed their way back into the game with their backs often looking dangerous and, after a period of sustained pressure, fly half Jimmy Pearson scored in the corner in the 35th minute.

Hoppers appeared to be self-destructing when they handed over the lead before half time, first giving away an easy penalty for a late tackle, duly converted by Pearson, then gifting a try to winger Greg Hurst with a careless pass. Pearson's conversion gave the home side a narrow 15-14 lead at the break. Although still struggling to find any fluency, Hoppers fared better in the second half, putting the home pack under pressure in both tight and loose phases. Bailey kicked a penalty to regain the lead and a strong forward drive ended up in Richard Morton squirming over for a try.

With 20 minutes to go, Hoppers' defence repulsed several Sheffield attacks to hold out for the win and a fifth round tie away at Midlands Two West club Burton.

Hoppers are back in league action on Saturday at home to Birkenhead Park, kick off 3pm.

Final score: Sheffield 15 Pr'n G'hoppers 22