A DISAPPOINTING display at Beeston saw Hoppers come away pointless from a game which they could so easily have won in the rugby union Jewson North 1 League.
The concession of a try to Nottingham full back Murphy in the opening minutes was evidence that Hoppers' tackling will have to improve if they are to have a successful season.
Playing with the benefit of a strong breeze, Hoppers hit back with prop Karl Fenton claiming a try from a close range line-out.
When Hoppers' backs got into the game, winger Iain Bruce was adjudged to be inches short after a powerful run.
Instead, it was the forwards who increased the lead with a repeat performance from another line-out.
Again it was Fenton who got the touchdown.
A penalty from Nottingham's Campbell narrowed the gap just before the interval.
The same player was on target early in the second period to give his side the lead after a Lough clearance kick failed to fine touch.
Nottingham dominated territorially and it was not long before an angled run from Campbell split Hoppers' defence for a try.
The centre added the extra points and it all looked uphill for Hoppers.
With Gary Monaghan prominent, Hoppers finally broke out of defence and with ten minutes remaining laid siege to the home line.
Although they crossed the line the ball was dropped and a lengthy clearance put an end to Hoppers' hopes.
On Saturday Hoppers entertain Harrogate at Lightfoot Green, kick-off is at 3pm.
Final score: Nottingham 18 Preston Grasshoppers 10.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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