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Match Preview
Hoppers welcome Tynedale to Lightfoot Green this week looking for a third consecutive win after victories over Sheffield Tigers and Harrogate last time out.
Tynedale, on the other hand, come into the game looking for a first win of the season. A draw at home to Billingham and 3 defeats to Sheffield, Wharfedale and Leeds Tykes sees Tynedale sat on 3 points in 13th place in the early season league table. In contrast Hoppers sit 5th with 13 points, largely thanks to the 3 try and 2 bonus points picked up so far.
Looking ahead to the game, Hoppers 1st XV Head Coach Dan Orwin said "Like Sheffield Tigers a fortnight ago, Tynedale will come today knowing that they need to get that first win to get their season started. There are no easy games in this league, as results have shown. We need to work hard and play to process if we are to get our third win on the bounce."
Reflecting on last week he continued "Last week’s trip to Harrogate was a successful one for us, as we enjoyed a bonus point win. We played some great rugby in the 1st half and led 7-26 at the break, with Tyler Spence bagging a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes. Inevitably Harrogate came back at us in the 2nd half, and we showed some real grit as we were forced to defend for long periods of time. Harrogate kicked a drop goal in the last play to give them a losing bonus point, and a final scoreline of 31-38. Jacob Browne made his 100th 1st Team Cap, grabbing himself a try in the process."
Dan also provided a summary of the injury situation in the squad as outlined below. Hopefully some of these lads can get back on to the pitch soon.
• Jake Squirrell (long term- ankle surgery)
• Rory Brand (operated on yesterday- knee, back in Dec)
• Jack Roberts (broken cheek bone, back in Dec)
• Josh Jones (collarbone, back in Dec)
• Elliot Williams (dislocated shoulder v Macc- return unknown)
• Ben O’Ryan (torn pec major, v Fylde, back Dec hopefully)
• Jack Lightowler (AC joint damage v Fylde, back Oct)
• Marc Maher (hamstring, back end of Oct)
• James Torkington (unknown)
• Connor Baxter (concussion in training, back next week)
• Owain Williams (broken toe, back this Sat)
• Craig Procter (crushed fingers, back end of Oct)
• Harvey May (concussion v Harrogate, back in 3 weeks)
• Cameron Wilkinson (concussion v Harrogate, back in 3 weeks)
• Jacob Murray (concussion last sat for the 2s, back in 3 weeks)
Team News
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Match Programme
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