On a barmy warm September evening the lads from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment who have been stationed and playing rugby in Cyprus must have felt at home ………. Is I’m sure how the everyone would have liked this write up to start!

However it couldn’t be further from the truth as the typical Northwest weather never let us down. It absolutely poured down from the moment both teams came out to warm up till the final whistle.

Both sides didn’t let a bit of water stop them from entertaining a large crowd that came out to watch despite the downpour.

In the opening minutes the Hoppers XV used their more experienced pack and tried to breach a very strong and physical defence and eventually did with a good forwards try.
This seemed to spark the Lions who came back with some lovely running rugby filled with some nice offloads, some lovely side steps and some out and out pace.
After a couple of tries the score now looked in favour of the visitors.

The second half saw another early try from the Lions pushing them a little further in front. Now with a 3 try lead and with the gap in the scores being increased slowly with penalties awarded within range being kicked over hoppers had a lot to do.

The penalties proved to be the right decision at the end of the game as despite 3 quick tries of their own the Hoppers lads fell short by just a couple of points.

The ref blowing his very damp whistle finishing the match 28 - 32 in favour of the men from Weeton barracks.

In the bar after the game both sets of players and coaches dried off and exchanged gifts and looked back at was hopefully the first of many interactions between the 2 clubs.

1st XV Assistant Coach Alan Haworth - “The game was very physical and entertaining with some really good rugby played despite the weather. I think both teams will take a lot away from it.

It was a pleasure to have the lads down tonight and we hope to see them again soon.

Everyone at Hoppers would like to wish them good luck in the Army Premiership which starts in October - we will be looking out for their results with interest."

Report by Alan Haworth, picture by Dan Orwin