Nuneaton 46 Preston Grasshoppers 22 (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Nuneaton 46 Preston Grasshoppers 22

9:50am Monday 15th December 2008

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Nuneaton’s classy backs, superbly orchestrated by stand-in fly half Rob Cook, ran riot in the first quarter of this game leaving Hoppers reeling and 27 points adrift.

An early penalty was followed by four well crafted tries, two of which were converted.

Hoppers then managed to staunch the flow and mount some attacks but the home defence was sound and Hoppers were not helped by a yellow card for John Peterson.

However the break came with no further scoring.

Hoppers rang the changes from the bench, the injured Marcus Jackson and Luke Cunningham being replaced by Nick Smith and Richard Morton.

Smith was unlucky to strike a post with a penalty attempt and Morton, back after a long lay-off through injury, was soon testing the defence with some robust charges.

But Hoppers made the mistake of not playing to the whistle as the referee waved play on after a knock-on and Cook put in his wing for another touchdown.

To their credit Hoppers kept battling away with the forwards getting on top and Sean Hall rounded his man to set up a platform from which Darren Wilson scooted over.

With nothing to lose Hoppers were running everything but lost possession near their own line to concede another try. But the pack were soon back on the attack with some driving play and desperate home defence earned a yellow card.

Hoppers used the advantage to drive Lee Imiolek over in the 62nd minute and 10 minutes later Wayne Steel claimed another touchdown.

As the clock wound down, a strong run and chip and chase by Adam Crisp was rounded off by Wilson’s second try, converted by Smith, giving Hopers the consolation of a 4-try bonus point.

Cup action this Saturday as Hoppers host Hull in a third round tie in the EDF National Trophy.

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