HAVING spent all twelve seasons of league rugby in the same division, Hoppers at last claimed the single promotion place with an excellent all-round team performance in front of a large and exuberant band of travelling supporters.

Only Ian Ashton remained of the side that began the long and winding road in 1987.

As the flanker pulled off his Hoppers shirt for the last time on leaving the field in the 54th minute to a rousing ovation, he knew the job was done.

With the benefit of the slope in the first half, Hoppers were quickly reminded of the dangers lurking as the lively Sandal fly half Ian Shuttleworth dropped a fifth minute goal to give his side the lead.

A second attempt flew wide but by the quarter hour Hoppers had the show back on the road as a Martin Emmett penalty levelled the scores.

Emmett and Shuttleworth exchanged penalties and with ten minutes of the half remaining there was concern that insufficient advantage had been taken of the slope.

The final ten minutes of the first half and opening five minutes of the second half ended any doubts remaining.

Hoppers forwards softened up the Sandal defence with a series of determined charges and by the time the fifth phase of the attack began they had engineered enough space to allow Iain Bruce to cross in the corner for his 27th try of an outstanding season.

Playmaker Michael Lough was next to impress with a typical break from centre field.

Although halted on the 22, support was on hand in the shape of Rob Smith.

Half tackled five metres short of the line, the centre was able to regain his feet and make the line.

Emmett added the extra two points to make the half-time lead 12 points.

Hoppers were immediately on the attack after the break and within two minutes had increased their lead.

A rolling maul was the favoured weapon, with lock Mike Bailey in control of the ball as the line was crossed. Emmett again converted.

Three minutes later the game was as good as over. A perfectly placed kick to the corner flag from scrum half John Bleasdale established the position.

When Sandal's line-out throw did not go to hand, prop Karl Fenton eagerly snapped up the loose ball to notch Hoppers' fourth try.

The metre he travelled will no doubt expand somewhat as the game is remembered in the years to come.

A kick in the back brought about Ashton's departure with his replacement Glyn Dewhurst soon making his mark with a crunching tackle.

Midway through the half an attempt to run the ball from defence went awry with Sandal winger Hodgkinson intercepting to score a try.

The setback proved only temporary as Hoppers took control to run down the clock with the score at 10-36.

And the celebrations, picture, look set to continue for some time yet.

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