Preston Grasshoppers 8, Harrogate 27 (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Preston Grasshoppers 8, Harrogate 27

10:06am Monday 15th September 2008

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The result of this game was in the balance at half time but an interception try at the restart and two more touchdowns in the last 10 minutes, all converted, produced a final score that flattered the visitors.

But Harrogate’s experienced backs, ably prompted by fly half Murray, looked the more dangerous and were given too much space in the later stages by a tiring home defence Hoppers started well and the lively Dan Waller stole an early lineout to show an impressive turn of pace to beat the first line of defence and make 40 metres.

On five minutes, Will Hughes set off on a run and the ball was spread wide to Russell Flynn who barged his way down the touchline before offloading inside to Dave McCabe who took the ball at pace to score an excellent try. Ollie Moore was wide with the conversion attempt.

Hoppers stole another lineout but referee Hodges’ whistle frequently disrupted play and after 16 minutes an offside offence allowed Murray to reduce the arrears with a penalty.

The game remained equally balanced but Hoppers’ backs seemed reluctant to get the ball wide and another offside offence in the 31st minute gave Murray an easy kick to put his side one point ahead.

Waller then produced a carbon copy of his drive from a lineout and Harrogate were forced on to the defence.

As half time approached, Darren Wilson crossed the line from a scrum but was adjudged not to have grounded the ball but in desperation.

Harrogate were penalised for not moving away from the tackle and Ollie Moore kicked the penalty to give Hoppers a slender 8-6 lead at the break.

At the restart, Hoppers’ attempt to spread the ball backfired when a long pass was read by centre Wainwright who sprinted over from halfway.

The home side regrouped but failed to make a period of pressure tell and all too often kicked away possession.

Hoppers rang the changes from the bench and Nick Smith made a half break with virtually his first touch but again the move broke down.

Some untidy play followed from both teams but the away backs were beginning to assert themselves and took advantage of some scrappy defence with a shrewd kick through and centre Aspinall, following up, was awarded the try with 70 minutes on the clock.

Murray’s conversion extended the lead to 12 points and any chance of a comeback or even salvaging a losing bonus point was dashed 5 minutes later when a blindside mistake saw prop Swainson put clear from 35 metres and Murray’s kick was good.

Hoppers travel to Macclesfield, who have won both their opening games, on Saturday .

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