PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 40, NOTTINGHAM 20

HOPPERS gained revenge for an early season defeat but left many of their supporters a little disappointed.

When the game was two-thirds over, Hoppers had rattled up 40 points with their visitors only showing a single penalty for their efforts.

The final third of the game, however, saw Nottingham snatch three tries as Hoppers' concentration faltered.

A perfect start saw Hoppers claim two tries within eight minutes. The first saw the pack drive Glyn Dewhurst over.

An accurate conversion from Emmett claimed the extra points. Hoppers' next try started in their own 22 as the backs ran the ball from defence. A strong run from Iain Bruce took play to the visitors' half and when the winger kicked the ball over the final defender, Gary Monaghan was on hand to win the race for the touchdown. Again, Emmett converted.

A penalty from Rolt reduced the arrears but Hoppers were quickly back in control. A grubber kick from Emmett saw Chris Glynn out-pace the defence for the next touchdown.

Then a weaving run from Monaghan ended inches short of the Nottingham line. Dewhurst was on hand to gather the ball and plunge over the line for the fourth try. Emmett converted both to make the interval lead 25 points.

Hoppers continued to dominate as the second half opened with Michael Bailey providing the final pass before Iain Bruce went in at the corner. Kicking into the wind, Emmett could not convert but he did make five conversions from six attempts when John Bleasdale burrowed over after a period of pressure.

Perhaps it was the introduction of three replacements which unsettled Hoppers with Nottingham centre Morley taking advantage of some less-than-convincing tackling to score three tries.

Jack could only convert one but the visitors went home having scored far more points than they should have done.

This season's Lancashire Cup sees Hoppers travel to Widnes for a first-round tie on a date to be confirmed. Hoppers next outing is on February 26 when they travel to Lydney.

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