THE clash of two sides with 100 per cent records went the visitors' way, but Hoppers must take credit for the way they continued to battle after a disastrous first five minutes in this 27-21 defeat.

Indeed, the visitors scored on their first attack after some ineffective Hoppers tackling resulted in Park captain Chris Ritchie scoring under the posts. Toby Knowles converted, as he did minutes later when scrum half Tim Smither claimed the visitors' second try.

A Chris Glynn penalty reduced the deficit as Hoppers regained their poise.

A long kick for position from Michael Lough bore fruit after a visiting defender was forced into touch.

Martin Boyd took clean line-out ball and the pack drove over the Park line for an unconverted Karl Fenton try.

Unnecessary use of the boot by Nigel Hill brought a yellow card for the Hoppers' centre and presented Knowles with a simple chance to increase his side's lead.

Lough was then tackled into touch by the final Park defender before the visitors displayed their running skills as centre Nick Marval produced an elusive run. The second half opened with a second Glynn penalty for Hoppers, but soon after skipper Neil Ashton earned Hoppers' second yellow card after his tackle on lively scrum half Tim Smither was adjudged dangerous. The visitors' defence stood up well as Hoppers mounted attack after attack.

An offside offence then allowed Glynn to reduce the deficit to three points and the game was wide open.

With 15 minutes remaining, disaster struck for Hoppers when a clearance kick from Lough failed to find touch.

Park full back Maddock caught the ball inside his home half and weaved his way through some ineffectual tackling to score under the posts.

Knowles again converted.

Two minutes later the same player added a penalty to take the lead to 13 points. Hoppers were rewarded with an injury time try in the corner from Iain Bruce converted by Glynn.

On Saturday, Hoppers travel to unbeaten Otley.

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