Preston Grasshoppers 18 - Sheffield 19

A TRY for the visitors in the sixth minute of injury time stole the points on Sunday (September 7).

Hoppers had taken an early lead with two penalties from fly-half Emmett before Sheffield's Pound had his first success to reduce the arrears.

A try in the corner for winger Pearson gave Sheffield the lead after Hoppers had lost the ball in midfield.

A third penalty from Emmett was due reward for a better period of play from Hoppers, giving them a single point lead at the break.

The lead changed hands again early in the second half when Pound kicked his second penalty.

A drop goal from the same player was then adjudged good to the surprise of home supporters.

Again Hoppers hit back to retake the lead as Emmett notched two further penalties and then landed a drop goal.

With a four-point lead, Hoppers tactics were called into question as they allowed the visitors to mount a late rally culminating in a match-winning try for Pound.

On Saturday, Hoppers travel to Gloucester to play Coney Hill in the first round of the National Knockout Cup.

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