DREAMS of cup glory were shattered as Hoppers crashed out of the Tetley's Bitter Cup, 14-5 to Rugby Lions in the Midlands.
Despite dominating for much of the opening 20 minutes, Hoppers somehow managed to find themselves two points behind.
However, with the ball released to the backs, disaster was only just around the corner as a pass went off course allowing Rugby to counter attack. Eddie Saunders scored a try, which Barnes converted.
Despite this, Hoppers maintained control, with Ian Ashton driving over.
With Karl Fenton off injured, and Rugby suddenly lurching into life, Hoppers soon found themselves falling further behind.
Hooker McCarthy crossed following a lineout and Barnes converted from close to touch and even the arrival of several Hoppers' substitutes couldn't prevent the inevitable happening as the prospect of Premiership opposition drifted away.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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