THIS game was won and lost up front where the visitors' pack regularly disrupted Hoppers' ball.

As a result scrum half Charlie Du Pre spent the afternoon valiantly trying to catch Park off guard with what little possession came his way.

Park took the lead on their first attack through a simple Stephens penalty after Hoppers were adjudged offside.

A missed tackle then cost Hoppers dear as the Manchester side spread the ball wide to put full back Moon in at the corner.

Stephens converted. A rolling maul then put Hoppers on the attack with Chris Glynn reducing the arrears with a penalty after Park infringed.

Inspired Hoppers produced a better spell but could not put points on the board.

Instead the Park forwards regained the initiative with prop Allcock spotting a gap to put hooker Treco in at the posts. Stephens converted.

Hoppers backs then showed their potential as Tim Lough made a break down centre field.

Russell Flynn continued the move before Chris Glynn took over to score in the corner.

Any hopes of a Hoppers fightback then suffered a blow as line out specialist Craig Steel left the field with a shoulder injury.

Two penalties from Stephens completed the first half scoring.

With the visiting pack well on top Hoppers were forced to defend. Further tries from Scales and Yates consolidated Park's lead with Stephens adding both conversions.

Hoppers fighting spirit was rewarded in the final five minutes as tries from Glynn and Paul Bailey rounded off two excellent handling moves started from deep in Hoppers territory.

On Saturday, Hoppers travel to Wharfedale for another vital relegation battle.

Preston Grasshoppers 18 Sedgley Park 37