Loughborough Students 29 Preston Grasshoppers 24 (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Loughborough Students 29 Preston Grasshoppers 24

11:41am Tuesday 11th November 2008

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A great second half performance from the pack almost snatched victory for Hoppers after they trailed by 20 points at the break and, if they had played the same tactics in the first period, it could have been a comfortable win.

But after a bright start which brought a penalty for Marcus Jackson, the Students took advantage of a loose scrum under the posts to score a converted try in the 12th minute.

Jackson replied with another penalty but then Hoppers adopted a disastrous policy of kicking with the wind and Loughborough showed how lethal they could be on the counter attack, running in two excellent tries in a three minute period followed by a long range penalty.

Hoppers’ pack started to get the upper hand and some driving play brought a third penalty for Jackson and a yellow card for the Students’ lock.

But undeterred, the home wing increased the lead with a skilful chip and chase which gave his side a 29-9 lead at the break.

A complete change of tactics then changed the game with Hoppers’ pack dominating possession and Phil Deakin was driven over in the 46th minute and five minutes later, after a second home player was despatched to the sin bin, newly signed prop Lee Imiolek claimed the touchdown from a lineout drive.

Hoppers continued the onslaught and Jackson’s fourth penalty brought them to within five points but, despite the non-stop siege they were unable to secure the winning score.

Hoppers travel to Huddersfield on Saturday.

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