HOPPERS scored over 70 points in the equivalent league encounter at Lightfoot Green in November but this time they had to make do with a more modest margin.

Altrincham are now a stronger team but Hoppers also failed to capitalise on chances created.

But, with both Hull sides out of action due to the weather, Hoppers still finished two points clear at the top of Powergen North 1.

Hopefully they will not regret failing to improve their points difference more if things hot up at the top.

They were 12 points up after just 12 minutes with an early try from Richard Morton after a forward drive from a five-metre line out.

A touchdown from hooker Richie Sands followed after he ambled through a static defence to give Paul Bailey an easy conversion.

Hoppers proved vulnerable in defence in midfield and a number of fast hands moves by the home backs put pressure on Hoppers line.

After fly half Richard Wainwright had fluffed an easy penalty, former Hoppers player Chris Stewart came close before putting in full back Paul Edwards for a try wide out in the 17th minute.

This stirred the visitors into action and they mounted a series of attacks which showed promise, but no points, until Bailey took the chance to land a penalty seven minutes later, while a mix up in the home defence allowed Dave Carter to poach a try under the posts which Bailey converted.

Comfortably ahead at 22-5, Hoppers again seemed to relax and Altrincham came close on several occasions before the break but failed to add to their account.

Hoppers were denied an early score in the second period when debutant winger Danny Holland took advantage of a fumbled kick through to go clear but the referee mysteriously brought play back for a Hoppers' scrum on halfway. The home halfbacks adopted the high kick in an attempt to capitalise on the strong wind but Hoppers' backs fielded well and the introduction of Scott Podmore who on this occasion again demonstrated his versatility by slotting in at centre, shored up the defence. Referee Stephens again had an influence on the game when, in short succession, he sent first Michael Lough and then Dave Carter to the sin bin for technical offences. Hoppers, reduced to 13 men for eight minutes, responded by camping in their opponents' 22 and being rewarded with Bailey's second penalty.

Restored to full strength, Hoppers made the game safe when after a long run by flanker Jonty Wilson and a break by Chris O'Toole, Doug Fitzgerald came off the bench to use his pace to win a kick and chase to score in the corner.

Now four scores ahead, Hoppers allowed the home side to run in two tries and convert one in the last eight minutes to narrow the winning margin.

On Saturday, Hoppers return to cup action with an away fifth round tie at Burton in the Powergen Intermediate Competition.

Final score: Altrincham Kersal 17 Preston Grasshoppers 30