A SCRAPPY game disrupted by an over-fussy referee, and a tense finish made up for a lack of quality rugby with a succession of unforced errors from both sides.

Vale started the stronger and camped out in Hoppers 22 but spurned two early penalty opportunities, in favour of touch kicks to the corner reflecting a weakness which eventually cost them dear.

In the seventh minute the pressure paid off and flanker Gavin McHugh took advantage of some lax tackling to touch down wide out.

After 15 minutes, Hoppers at last lifted the siege and Paul Bailey's run was stopped only at the expense of a penalty but his kick rebounded off a post and was cleared.

Referee Mr Frazer then took a hand in events by sin binning, firstly prop John Peterson for what appeared to be the fairly innocuous offence of not releasing the ball and three minutes later he was joined in the dugout by lock Wayne Steel for a lineout infringement.

Reduced to 13 men, Hoppers produced some spirited defence as Vale attempted to use their additional manpower to drive over.

Indiscipline led to another kickable penalty for Vale being reversed and it was the visitors who scored next when Paul Bailey made no mistake with his second shot at goal.

No sooner were Hoppers restored to 15 men than Vale centre Donovan Saunders was shown yellow and Bailey's resulting penalty gave Hoppers a hardly deserved lead of 6-5 at the break. Hoppers started the second period positively and a third Bailey penalty extended their lead.

In the 51st minute, the away backs were caught offside in centre field and Saunders' penalty brought Vale to within a point. Ten minutes later he missed an easy penalty.

It all looked over for Hoppers in injury time when the referee awarded another penalty on the 22, halfway out. In desperation, Vale changed kickers but Adam Smith hooked his kick wide to leave Hoppers the victors.

Hull's defeat means Hoppers are now top of the table on points difference. On Saturday they are away at Sheffield in the fourth round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.

Final score: Vale of Lune 8

Preston Grasshoppers 9