HOPPERS made it five league wins in a row, but again let their opponents back into the game after establishing a commanding lead against Hinckley last weekend (January 10).

An early Iain Bruce try converted by Rob Smith was just reward for some early pressure.

Hinckley's response was a penalty, but Hoppers' forwards took over with Josh Williams and Neil Ashton crossing following line-outs.

Just before the interval some sloppy work in midfield gave the home side the initiative and they capitalised with an unconverted try.

Hinckley reduced the deficit to two points with a converted try midway through the second half.

Sensing the danger, Hoppers got their act together again for Rob Smith to claim his eighth try of the season.

The full back's missed conversion gave Hoppers an anxious final 10 minutes as the Leicestershire side pressed for an equalising score.

Their efforts were fruitless, however, as Hoppers' defence held firm to the end and the final score rested at Hinckley 15 Grasshoppers 22.

On Saturday, Hoppers entertain Winnington Park, who Hoppers beat 25-15 in the reverse fixture in November.

Hoppers Colts crashed out of the National Cup competition on Sunday, losing 10-18 to a strong Coventry side.

Hoppers were unable to impose themselves on opponents who had a man sent off after only seven minutes.

Tries from John Pilling and Sam Kidd were some reward for some exciting play from the back.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.