Hoppers were never behind in this game until the sixth minute of injury time but just could not hang on to take the points -Sedgley Park 17 Preston Grasshoppers 12.

An error strewn first quarter produced no points but by the 26th minute Hoppers had drawn first blood.

Young full back Owen McKenna started the attack taking play from deep in Hoppers half to the half way line.

Powerhouse second row Josh Williams was soon involved brushing aside several defenders as he made his way to the home 22.

Michael Lough took the ball on using strength rather than guile to make the final 10 metres to the line.

Hoppers resisted a period of Park pressure before increasing their lead early in the second half. Again Williams was in the thick of the action but grounded the ball just short of the line.

Hoppers switched play to the right wing where Gary Monaghan made ground before kicking ahead.

The Park defence was in disarray as Michael Lough claimed the ball for his second try.

The final quarter of the game saw the promotion contenders finally get their act together.

A simple chip and chase brought a Moon try which the same player converted. Moon was again involved in the second try this time off loading the ball to Morris who crossed for an unconverted try.

Injury time saw the Manchester side battering Hoppers line but the defence looked to have secured a point.

Michael Lough's decision to run the ball from defence backfired as Park won the ball before a passing movement put winger Willcock in at the corner.

This Saturday Hoppers are at home to Rosslyn Park, kick-off 2.15pm.

John Fowler ex-England A lock forward who signed early this season has had to retire from the game on medical advice due to a knee injury