Bitter-sweet end to Hoppers' 2002/03 season 
May's first Bank Holiday brought a bitter-sweet end to the season, Hoppers' First
XV picking up the 'John Burgess / Thwaites Beer Lancashire Cup' at Sedgley
Park for the first time, following their National League promotion in 1999, only
the second significant trophy that Preston's showcase side has lifted in 134
years.
Kicking off earlier in the afternoon, the Senior Colts missed a golden
opportunity to win the English Clubs Colts Knock Out Plate at Northampton.
Despite conceding a last minute converted try, skipper John Chesworth led his
side to a 34 - 31 victory against West Park after three unsuccessful attempts
since the County Cup was relaunched in 1970.
Steve Gough contributed two drop-goals for Hoppers, the fly-half's first
landing in the third minute before the lead changed hands throughout the opening
period. Full back Martin Street hit back for the St Helens side before the
Thwaites `Man of the Match' Tom Grey and then Ian Callaghan put West Park ahead.
Tries before the interval for Preston's Anton Cramant, Charlie Du Pre and
Oliver Viney built a solid first-half 18 - 16 foundation for Director of Rugby,
Alex Keay's assault on the elusive Cup.
Kicking with a strong side-wind, Gough's cleverly-crafted penalty kick eight
minutes after the interval restored Hoppers' lead once again. Another try, this
time John Chesworth's with the conversion slotted through the posts, and two
further penalties left Park playing catch-up rugby during the time added for
injuries which they almost managed. Chris Pennington crashed over for a
converted try, the last action of the match.
At the final whistle, Hoppers could reflect on an reasonably successful
season. A magnificent 110 year-old piece of silverware has been added to trophy
cabinet and the First XV has secured a satisfactory league position.
Meanwhile at Franklins Gardens, the Zurich Premiership ground, Hoppers'
Senior Colts XV opened the National Plate Final against Cambridge full of
expectations.
After an early Chris Leck try, Hoppers took a two try-to-one lead with
hooker, Sean Gibney also going over.
Neither score was converted and Cambridge claimed the first-half, 12 - 10
lead with an interception try. Centre William Tulitt grounded the second of his
three tries and Hoppers were left to rue their missed chances. Fly-half James
Goode added the one conversion.
A solitary score was the product of a second-half in which Hoppers failed to
make an impression on the Cambridge line, the red and yellow hoops finally
overcoming the navy and white variety by 17 - 10.
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