Nuneaton 55 Preston Grasshoppers 24: Preston Grasshoppers came a cropper at leaders Nuneaton and practically put paid to their chances of finishing in the top two.

Conditions were perfect for open rugby; firm surface, dry ball, no wind and wide pitch.

From the kick off that Hoppers were keen to take advantage but, while the intentions were admirable the execution was often lamentable with the ball going anywhere but to hand.

The pity was that the forwards had the edge throughout the game and supplied the backs with quality possession.

Nuneaton's first try was a result of gaining possession from a wild pass and then a defensive blunder let in full back Peacock from a tap penalty. Ex-England player Stimpson converted both tries.

Hoppers forwards started to assert themselves with some strong drives and, although a backs move seemed to have broken down, Paul Bailey scooped up the ball to cross in the corner but failed with the kick.

With Hoppers continuing to squander possession, Reed's pace was again displayed when he ran in his second try before being the provider for Number 8 Toleafoa, Stimpson adding the points.

The forwards again came to the rescue with some driving play and a strong run from Wayne Steel was finished off by hooker Richie Sands and Bailey's conversion made it 28-12 at the break.

The Nuns' began the second half with purpose and sustained pressure brought a try after 46 minutes but Hoppers hit back through their pack forcing their opponents to concede a penalty try from an attempted pushover.

With their forwards now dominant Hoppers took two strikes against the head to get back in the game but erratic handling continued to let them down.

After a spell of pressure, the home backs broke out and Reed completed his hat-trick. Stimpson converted and kicked a penalty to make it 43-19.

A beleaguered home pack were living dangerously, three times collapsing a scrum and a desperate clearance kick was fielded by Olly Viney who made ground before putting replacement wing Will Hughes in for the fourth try and a bonus point.

Nuneaton had the last word though when wing Parry collected a loose ball to sprint over and Stimpson's sixth conversion was the last kick of the game.

Hoppers entertain Hull Ionians at Lightfoot Green on Saturday.