Rugby Lions 57 Preston Grasshoppers 7

9:59am Monday 28th January 2008

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Hoppers suffered the heaviest defeat for some years after conceding seven tries in the second period.

As the teams went in at half time with the Lions just 12-0 up, Hoppers seemed to be well placed with the benefit of the wind and slope to come.

In fact they could have claimed to be somewhat unlucky to be behind at all, having dominated the first 15 minutes despite a late arrival due to a coach breakdown.

Hoppers came close on a number of occasions with Olly Viney, Mark Murray and Michael Jones all putting in some incisive runs while Russell Flynn just failed to gather Gerhard Boshoff's cross kick just short of the line.

But on virtually their first attack, the home pack drove over for an unconverted try.

They then found themselves a man down due to a yellow card but Boshoff squandered a clear scoring chance when opting to cross kick rather than pass.

An injury to Andy Barnett caused Hoppers to reshuffle their backs and Lions took advantage with a converted try by scrum half Handley and enjoyed the better of the rest of the first period.

Hoppers' hopes were soon dashed after the restart as the home pack took the initiative with two tries from their back row, one converted.

As home confidence grew, Hoppers' defence was found wanting and, first the Lions backs swept the length of the field for a touchdown, then a lineout drive brought a try for their number eight.

Hoppers tried to claw something back and after some near misses, eventually put Flynn in at the corner and Boshoff converted.

But their defence was then again cruelly exposed when lock forward Riding galloped in from halfway, followed by two tries from speedy wing Hales, both of which were converted by Hawken to bring up the half century.

Hoppers are not league action next week and it is hoped to play the much-postponed Lancashire Cup Tie at Fylde on Sunday.