Preston Grasshoppers 27 Hull 10 (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Preston Grasshoppers 27 Hull 10

9:51am Monday 15th December 2008

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Preston Grasshoppers ran in two first half tries to win a bruising encounter at Lightfoot Green.

The first half was played in constant rain that made handling difficult right from the start.

Hoppers took control of the game and scored the opening try after 10 minutes from a five-metre scrum, Andrew Dockray picked up from the base and drove over the line, with Nick Smith adding the conversion. Smith then added two penalties in quick succession, to give the Hoppers a 13-0 advantage.

Hull got themselves back into the game with a try of their own mid way through the half, a break through the middle of the Hoppers defence was recycled well and Tevita Vaikona broke a tackle to score in the corner.

The Hoppers however, took control of the match as the half drew to a close, Smith landed his third penalty and the Hoppers scored their second try, a scrum deep in the 22 was taken by Darren Wilson, whose offload allowed Mark Rigbye to score and gave the Hoppers a 21-5 half time lead.

Hoppers increased their lead soon after the restart with another Smith penalty and both sides were reduced to 14 men after a fracas at a scrum.

Smith’s fifth penalty of the game made it 27-5 before Hull responded with their second try.

A poor kick was run back deep into the Hoppers 22 and the ball was worked across the defence with Latu Makaafi powering his way over from close range.

Back to league action next week when Hoppers host neighbours Fylde for the traditional Yuketide derby.

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