A DISAPPOINTING result for Hoppers saw them fall to a narrow defeat to their visitors from Yorkshire.
The first quarter of the game produced no points with both sides unable to put together a prolonged passage of play.
Wharfedale skipper Hodgson was first on the score sheet with a simple run in under the posts as Hoppers were outnumbered in defence. Davies converted.
A Chris Glynn penalty reduced the arrears but Hodgson soon got his second try with a diagonal run to the corner which again exposed Hoppers tackling. Davies was on target with his long conversion kick to make the interval lead 11 points.
Hoppers with two replacements on started the second half positively with Glynn kicking a second penalty.
Hoppers were conceeding too many turnovers, however, as support players were slow to arrive at the breakdown. A third Wharfedale try was scored by Evans despite fellow back row Kirkbride appearing to have wasted an opportunity by ignoring a two man overlap.
Hoppers were using the rolling maul to good effect establishing themselves in the Wharfedale 22 which led to a try from short range by Rob Parkinson but Glynn could not convert.
Having brought Paul Barrow on for John Chesworth, Hoppers could only bring prop Dave Chadwick on when full back Glynn suffered a hamstring injury.
Gary Monaghan moved to full back and quickly sparked off the move which brought the try of the game. Breaking down centre field he found Paul Barrow in support. Tim Lough took up the play racing down his wing to score in the corner. Paul Bailey's conversion attempt was short.
Having reduced the deficit to three points, Hoppers threw Wharfedale a lifeline as two unneccessary offences allowed Davies to notch two penalties. Injury time saw Hoppers camped on the Wharfedale line but although Paul Barrow went over for a try, Bailey's conversion kick was to prove the last of the game.
On Saturday Hoppers travel to Manchester for a fixture against promotion contenders Sedgley Park.
Preston Grasshoppers 23 Wharfedale 25
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