Grasshoppers 5, Fylde 17

HOPPERS wrapped up their league programme with a defeat at the hands of local rivals Fylde.

As a consequence, Hoppers finished in eighth place, and Fylde in ninth.

Halfway through the season it looked unlikely that the local clubs would finish so close -- Hoppers were up with the promotion contenders and Fylde were at the other end of the table.

The second half of the season was almost the reverse of the first, with Fylde easing relegation worries with some noteworthy performances including a victory over champions Otley.

Hoppers had a dismal time with only two victories to show for their endeavours. And the derby match was one of two halves as well. Fylde dominated the first, running in all their 17 points, before defending gamely in the second to restrict Hoppers to a single score.

Fylde got off to a flying start with a second minute try from lock Whitehead after a couple of lineouts close to Hoppers' line. Nick Booth converted.

Hoppers then lost scrum-half John Bleasdale with a nasty head wound and Booth came close to increasing the lead chasing a kick by Kenyon.

The winger got on the scoresheet on the quarter hour with a simple penalty.

Stephen Fee was penalised for a late tackle and the penalty put the visitors back in attack.

They didn't waste the position and Condon's good work lead to Kenyon flying under the posts. Booth converted again.

In the second half Hoppers quickly went on the attack and their pressure was rewarded as Iain Bruce sneaked in at the corner.

Despite dominating the half territorially, Hoppers met with tough resistance and it was the visitors who went home with the points.