HOW Preston Grasshoppers were glad of the boot of goalkicker supreme Steve Kerry.

The sure-fire shotmaker earned the Hoppers a thrilling 23-23 draw at Sheffield.

Hoppers had first use of a stiff breeze, but a 12-8 lead at the break looked as though it might not be enough.

A drop goal and three penalties from Kerry had been answered by a penalty and an unconverted try for the home side.

Early in the second half, Kerry added two further penalties.

Then when Wade Dooley, who was making his first appearance of the season, was driven over by the pack for a try Hoppers appeared to have the game in their grasp.

This time, however, Kerry's goal attempt struck the post and flew wide.

A controversial penalty try put Sheffield back in the game, and when they added an unconverted try with 15 minutes left the margin was only three points - and the game was up for grabs.

Three minutes later a penalty brought the Yorkshire level, but despite frantic efforts by both sides in the final minutes there was no further score.

On Saturday, February 16 (3pm) Hoppers entertain Nuneaton in a Courage League game.

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