Hoppers notched up their fourth bonus point in as many games, running in six tries against old adversaries Kendal who prop up the table after their fourth straight defeat.

But they did recover well and refused to fold after a torrid first 20 minutes when Hoppers were dominant and scored 22 unanswered points.

Darren Wilson gave a scintillating performance at the base of the scrum, using his pace to scamper over twice in the opening ten minutes.

Paul Bailey's conversions and intervening penalty made it 17-0. After some good driving forward play, Dave Carter dived over in the 20th minute.

Kendal stemmed the deluge of points and Hoppers' weakness in first-up tackling was exposed as the away backs made useful inroads in midfield backed up by some powerful surges from the forwards.

The home defence withstood the pressure, however, and the final score of the first half was a trade-mark drive over by flanker Nick Ward and Bailey's conversion made it 29-0 at the break.

Whatever the Kendal coach said at half time worked and the visitors started the second period much more positively.

A mistake by Hoppers when receiving kick-off resulted in Kendal enjoying a long period of possession during which they battered the home goal line. Scrum half Boardley seemed to drop the ball in the act of touching down but, after more resolute defence from the home pack, Hoppers swept the length of the field for Carter to be driven over for his second try, Bailey converting in the 52nd minute.

Kendal at last got on the scoreboard, when after more driving forward play, Preston took a tap penalty and barged over for an unconverted try.

Again against the run of play, Hoppers increased their lead in the 69th minute when 'Burgler' Bailey intercepted in his own half to race in for a try which he converted himself.

Kendal had the last word, however, when centre Dobie cut through the defence for another consolation try.

Hoppers, who move up a place to third in the table have no game this weekend due to their early exit from the Powergen Trophy.

Final score: Preston Grasshoppers 43 Kendal 10