TWO interception tries for the same player in a game is something of a rarity but that's what Paul Bailey achieved to give Hoppers three wins in three visits to Newbury.

An early penalty from Chris Glynn got Hoppers off the mark but midway through the half the home side equalised through a Morgan penalty.

Five minutes later, Newbury looked about to take the lead as a three quarter movement spread the ball metres from Hoppers line. Bailey went for and got the interception, racing the length of the field to score under the posts. Glynn converted. Hoppers enjoyed the better of the rest of the half and gained their reward in injury time when Michael Lough punished some half hearted tackling for an individual try.

Again Glynn added the extra points. Newbury hit back early in the second half as lock Thorpe put full-back Southwell in at the corner. Morgan converted.

Newbury's next attack was a disaster. Again they attempted to spread the ball and again Bailey intercepted. On this occasion the winger only had half the length of the field to run for his try.

Glynn maintained his perfect record of conversions.

Morgan and Glynn exchanged penalties but as the game entered its final quarter, Hoppers were forced to defend. A rolling maul led to a second Newbury try with a minute of normal time remaining.

Morgan converted and with eight minutes of injury time to come a grandstand finish was on the cards.

The home side's efforts were in vain, however, as Glynn kicked a third penalty to end the scoring.

On Saturday, Hoppers are in cup action.

Division One side Birmingham Solihull visit Lightfoot Green for a third round National Knockout Cup game. Kick off is at 3 pm.

RESULT: Newbury 20 Preston Grasshoppers 30