SANDAL 28 PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 13 HOPPERS dominated the first quarter on Saturday (April 19) with a penalty, a try and a conversion from Steve Kerry for a ten point lead.

After a nervous start, the Yorkshire Cup finalists hit back with tries from Sharp and Mark Woolf. A conversion and a penalty from skipper Mark Hardcastle gave them a five points lead at the break.

Hoppers injury list mounted as a Kerry ankle injury prevented the skipper from reappearing after the interval. A third Sandal try from Sharp punished some poor defensive work before Rob Smith and Hardcastle exchanged penalties.

Hoppers enjoyed a period of pressure near the end but were unable to turn possession into points and were stunned in the closing minutes when the Sandal backs put together the best move of the game to send Mark Woolf in for his second try.

Next Saturday Hoppers entertain Winnington Park at Lightfoot Green. Kick off is at 3pm.

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