HOPPERS got out of jail to win their Powergen Cup second round tie with the last kick of the game after being 13-0 down after 50 minutes.

With several regulars missing through injury, the first half was a struggle, although there were a number of scoring chances wasted by handling errors.

Macclesfield went ahead after eight minutes with a converted try after Hoppers had failed to clear their lines.

More chances were wasted and the Cheshire side went further in front with a penalty before half-time. Another penalty early in the second half seemed to have given Hoppers too big a hill to climb, but climb it they did.

Sengili Tuihalamaka cancelled out another Macclesfield penalty and then instigated a fine move with Michael Lough delivering a perfect pass to Sam Houston who raced round under the posts for a try converted by Tuihalamaka.

Another penalty put Macclesfield 16-10 in front, but a strong finish by Hoppers brought the winning points in the sixth minute of added time, Houston again the try scorer and Tuihalamaka making the conversion.

Hoppers will face Waterloo at Lightfoot Green in the third round on October 4.

The league programme resumes this week when Hoppers entertain Longton who they beat in the first round of the cup 39-0. The kick off is 3pm.

Final score: Macclesfield 16

Grasshoppers 17