HOPPERS' trip to Gloucestershire produced a winning start to their league campaign, 22-9 over Lydney.

Honours were even in the opening stages before Stack gave the home side the lead with a 12th minute penalty.

Hoppers quickly hit back as a kick for the corner by Chris Glynn gave Iain Bruce the chance to score the first try.

Glynn and Stack exchanged penalties during a first-half in which Hoppers defence stood up well.

The start of the second-half saw Hoppers pound the home line but fail to score. Instead Lydney broke away and kicked a third penalty to edge ahead.

The middle of the half proved critical as Hoppers shocked Lydney with two tries in three minutes. The first followed a line out with the forwards driving solidly to propel Karl Fenton over the line. Glynn converted.

Then a Russell Flynn break split the defence. Replacement Paul Bailey took up the running but was held just short. Hoppers support arrived in numbers, but Lydney killed the ball. Referee was on hand to spot the offence and award Hoppers a penalty try. Glynn's conversion was a formality.

Despite having a one man advantage for ten minutes, Hoppers found themselves pinned in their own half.

Hoppers Development XV ran up 50 points in their opening day championship victory over Sandal.

Hoppers first home fixture in National League Two sees Nottingham travel to Lightfoot Green next Saturday (September 9). Kick off is at 3pm.