Grasshoppers Win Championship With Final Play

Under 13s clinch Middlesex and Herts Division 4 title in dramatic style

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Sports in Chiswick

Grasshoppers under 13’s clinched the Middlesex and Herts Division 4 title in dramatic style with a try in the final play to give them a 19-15 victory against a strong Hemel Hempstead side writes Phill Tait.

Hemel started the better of the two sides as the 12-0 halftime score reflected. Things got worse when captain and star player Nathan Mills went off with a thumb injury midway through the first half.

James Gill took on the captain’s armband and a tough team talk from father Steve inspired the boys. Hoppers scored through Mohamad Mallah successfully converted by Harry Cushen, then try machine Cushen waded in with a try himself which he also converted, making the score 14-12.

However more drama unfolded as Hemel fought bought and kicked a penalty with two minutes to go giving the visitors a 15-14 advantage.

From the ensuing kick off Hoppers won a scrum 5 metres out but the 50 minutes were up! As the Hemel fly half tried to kick to touch to win the match he was put under pressure from two Hoppers forwards and the home supporters watched heart in mouth as the ball sailed towards the sideline.

The often used saying of “ the match isn’t over……” could not have been truer as Sheunesu Kimbugwe jumped to catch the ball and power over for the line for the Championship winning try.

Huge celebrations and a few tears followed from the many Hoppers parents and supporters and special mention is due to coaches Dylan Mathews and Manny Luk who through terrible weather during the winter months have drilled the Grasshoppers U13’s into the best side in the league.

March 23, 2010