Grasshoppers ... 25 Kendal ... 18

PRESTON Grasshoppers got a spring back in their stride as they bounced back from behind to beat Kendal this weekend.

After a string of three league defeats the Hoppers looked up against it when they face Kendal, undefeated in five games.

And a soggy pitch could have spelled disaster for them.

Kendal started strongly giving the Hoppers defence a thorough testing. By the eigth minute they had taken the lead with centre Voortman finding space to cross in the corner.

It was the quarter-hour mark before the Hoppers finally mounted their first attack.

The potential of their backs was evident as full back Chris Glynn came in at centre and just made it to the line.

Kendal returned to the attack with Scott reclaiming the lead with a penalty from in front of the posts.

Worse was to follow as John Bleasdale's clearance kick was charged down.

This gave Kendal a good attacking position from which their forwards were able to drive hooker Ian Gowing in for a try. Scott converted and the Hoppers looked to be in trouble. They quickly hit back with Glyn Dewhurst and Tim Lough both making ground.

Kendal were stretched and although Michael Lough was halted, their backs were offside. Chris Glynn kicked the resultant penalty to bring the Hoppers back into the game.

The Hoppers continued to press and a line-out provided the platform they required. Although their initial drive was held, Josh Williams was on hand to make the final yards for an unconverted try.

The Hoppers retained the initiative to produce another score and take the lead. It was the backs who were responsible as Michael Lough put Paul Bailey in at the posts. Glynn converted.

The Hoppers purple passage continued with a line out again the starting point for their forth try.

This time the forwards drove Jason Brittan over the line to extend the lead.

Try as they might, Kendal could not break the Hoppers stranglehold with a Scott penalty their only response.