A GAME of two halves is a well worn cliche but it certainly sums up Hoppers' fourth consecutive victory.

The win lifted them to the top half of the table for the first time this season and it was certainly hard earned after they appeared to be dead and buried at half time with a 14-27 deficit.

Their points came from a superb early try by Oliver Viney and one by prop Darren Clark who claimed the touchdown following a forward drive from a lineout, Steve Gough converted both.

Between these scores Bedford had notched an unconverted try and a penalty and then ran Hoppers ragged for the rest of the half scoring three converted tries.

The second half was a different story with Hoppers totally unrecognisable from what had gone before.

They quickly reduced the arrears with a typical individual try by Gary Monaghan which Gough converted.

With the visitors' big pack wilting under pressure Hoppers turned the screw and further tries by Viney, Owen McKenna and Gough who added another conversion brought a splendid win in the end.

Hoppers have no league match this weekend but entertain Widnes at Ligtfoot Green in the first round of the Lancashire Cup on Sunday, kick-off 2.15pm.

Preston Grasshoppers 38

Bedford Athletic 27

Hoppers have signed four players. John Young, a prop who was on the bench on Saturday and a former Hoppers Colt, has returned from Sedgley Park.

The other signings are: Gary Lowe, who can play centre or wing, from the British Police Rugby League squad; Nathan Mill, centre or fly half, who has played for England Students and Manchester, and John Lowden, who plays centre or fullback, and has played for the North Under18s, Workington and Sale Jets.