WITH former Preston Grasshoppers Mini Junior player Iain Balshaw competing with England full-back Jonathan Callard for the full-back spot in Bath's European Cup squad to face Pontypridd last weekend (Oct 11/12), the Hoppers junior sides focused on their own cup action.

At U17s level, Russell Meadows repeated his successful battle of a fortnight ago against Lancashire winger Ben Charlton. Rattling up 30 points against Broughton Park, the Hoppers progressed comfortably to the second round of the Lancashire Cup, with tries from Meadows, Phil Deakin (2) and Gareth Woods. Sam Houston fired over two penalties and two conversions before the Manchester side finally scored an unconverted try in the final minute.

The U14s travelled to Fylde and never got going. George Leeming managed the only Hoppers points as they crashed 35-5. Only an improved performance will lead to the side emerging from their Lancashire Cup qualifying league.

The U13s and U16s opened their qualifying league matches with big wins over Sedgley Park, by 38-0 and 43-5. For the U13s total domination by the pack allowed the three-quarters to pepper the Sedgley Park defence. Gareth Pattinson, Gavin Weight (2), Tim Deakin and Simon Cottam all crossed the try line, displaying confident ball handling at pace.

The match featured some fine place kicking from Simon Cottam, converting four kicks from around the touch line.

After an indifferent start to the season, the U16s welcomed back Ross Horton, James Duffy-Price and Ben Titterington from county duty and they opened their Lancashire Cup campaign with an excellent win.

Stephen Ansty led the scoring with three tries followed by Jake Cartmell, Titterington, James Keany and scrum half Chris Carson. Full back Robert Kidd converted four of the scores.

Tries from Keith Walmsley, John Lewis, James Mahon and Gareth Roberts ensured a 20-14 result for the U15s to complete a trio of wins against Sedgley Park.

Next Friday (Oct 24), in conjunction with local primary schools and the Lancashire Rugby Football Union, Hoppers are hosting a Rugby Taster day for U11s. For further information contact coaching coordinator Dave Kidd on 01772 747070.

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