HOPPERS can take little comfort from a disappointing display against a side who will surely be involved in the relegation battle.

The tone of the afternoon was set in the opening minutes. Hoppers gave away a penalty on half way allowing Waterloo to kick for touch.

A rolling maul followed the lineout and a Blyth try was the outcome.

The opening ten minutes were all Waterloo and although Handley wasted a penalty chance to increase their lead he was on target in the 7th minute.

When Hoppers eventually mounted an attack, Chris Glynn made ground down the right. The full back found Gary Monaghan deep in the Waterloo 22.

Neil Ashton was on hand to take the final pass and reduce the arrears. Hoppers enjoyed a better spell but their territorial supremacy brought no reward.

Instead Waterloo went further ahead as scrum half Aikman charged down a Michael Lough clearance kick to steal a try. A Glynn penalty in first half injury time then gave Hoppers hope. A Handley penalty made the lead 8 points again before Hoppers mounted an offensive.

A grubber kick from Michael Lough was gathered by brother Tim but a desperate tackle saved the day. Josh Williams and Michael Lough went close before centre Tattersall's defensive methods earned him a visit to the sin bin. A Glynn penalty reduced the arrears. Props Shepherd and Reay were both cautioned as play continued to be scrappy.

When Waterloo pressed, full back Hitchmough found a gap to claim Waterloo's third try. Hoppers retaliated and when a series of drives for the line went to ground, the former Hopper Karl Temmen was deemed the culprit becoming the third Waterloo player to visit the sin bin.

With five minutes left on the clock, Hoppers pressure paid as a Waterloo scrum was disrupted allowing Neil Ashton to steal the ball for his second try. Glynn converted.

Hoppers hopes of a dramatic victory were not helped as a couple of unnecessary penalties gave possession to the visitors.

On Saturday Hoppers make the short trip to Ansdell for their local derby against Fylde.

RESULT: Preston Grasshoppers 18 Waterloo 21