Fielding virtually a second team with a few first team benchers getting a run out, Hoppers proved too strong for Warrington and ran in eight tries in this Lancashire Cup first round tie.

The visitors are currently struggling three leagues below but, despite being under great pressure, restricted the home side to just two penalties from Andy Barnett in the first 20 minutes.

The superior pace of the home backs was tempered by too many handling errors and Hoppers' forwards were responsible for finally breaching the try line with tries from Dave Carter and Dave Chadwick to get the scoreboard ticking over at 18-0 after 26 minutes.

The home backs at last got their act together and Russell Flynn, Mark Murray and Cameron Berry were prominent in a series of moves that saw Phil Meadwell use his pace to run in tries in the 34th and 36th minute, Barnett converting the second. Warrington then opened their account with a penalty from fly half McDermott, making the halftime score 37-3.

Meadwell completed his hat trick shortly after the break while McDermott pegged back another three points with a penalty and, after Hoppers had rung the changes with replacements, centre Matt Naddeo touched down after good work by Murray.

Warrington then enjoyed five minutes of continuous forward possession but could not make it tell and when the home side broke out a long pass put in Russell Flynn to make it 52-6 with 12 minutes remaining.

Despite monopolising possession, Hoppers' handling continued to let them down and the only other score was a third penalty from McDermott.

The First XV are back in action on Saturday when they visit league leaders Nuneaton for a crucial top four clash.

Final score:Preston Grasshoppers 52, Warrington 9