A LAST-gasp try from Michael Lough kept Hoppers' promotion hopes alive in a game which they looked to have well under control at half time. (Full time: Whitchurch 16 Preston Grasshoppers 20)

The Shropshire side's pack opened convincingly, providing scrum half Mullock with an early try which Canney converted.

However, once Hoppers' backs got the ball, the way to victory was clear as the home side were run ragged.

A neat interchange between Iain Bruce and Rob Smith gave Bruce his 25th try of the season.

Although Martin Emmett's conversion bounced back off the post, the full back's first penalty attempt shortly after gave his side a narrow lead.

A second try was just reward with Smith again in support to score after Gary Monaghan's pace had opened up the defence.

A Canney penalty narrowed the gap but Hoppers quickly hit back and should have found a third try when Emmett found a gap.

Although only three points ahead at the break, Hoppers had found the Whitchurch weakness and more points seemed certain to follow.

But Whitchurch had other ideas and for 20 minutes imposed a stranglehold limiting the visitors to scraps of possession.

With their backs outclassed, the Shropshire team struggled to overcome Hoppers' stern defence - but a stream of penalties came their way.

With Canney twice successful, alarm bells were ringing.

Hoppers lifted the siege as Ian Ashton inspired the pack with a series of awesome charges and the final quarter was spent battering the home line.

A scrum close to the Whitchurch line presented the opportunity for Lough's late winner and Emmett's simple conversion completed the scoring.

In a fixture vital to both sides, Hoppers entertain Hinckley who are battling to avoid relegation. Kick off is at 3pm.

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