HOPPERS were forced to field a very much under strength side against high flyers Waterloo who had won all their 16 league games to date.

Nevertheless they gave a good account of themselves for 40 minutes and disconcerted the visitors by their upbeat attitude.

Waterloo were eight points up after seven minutes with a try from a close range lineout and a penalty giving them the points.

Hoppers refused to lie down and forced Waterloo onto the back foot and after a Paul Bailey penalty attempt had struck the crossbar they were rewarded with a fine try by Bailey who also converted to reduce the arrears to 7-8 at half time.

On the restart Waterloo's big pack gained the upper hand and tries came at regular intervals, seven in all, of which three were converted.

Sengili Tuihalamaka, Sam Houston, Chris O'Toole and Mike Bailey did not deserve to be on the wrong end of such a heavy defeat. Hoppers will hope some of the absentees will return when Hoppers face Waterloo again on Saturday at Blundellsands.

Final score: Grasshoppers 7

Waterloo 49