Preston Grasshoppers 13, Darlington Mowden Park 30

6:32pm Saturday 23rd February 2008

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Decimated by injuries, Hoppers failed to arrest their dismal run of home losses.

Their reshuffled pack played well, however, and askedquestions of the Durham side who are third in the table and gunning for a play-off place.

Hoppers had the worst possible start when a dropped ball on halfway in the first minute was hacked through and centre James Clark won the race to the touchdown.

The kick failed as did a penalty attempt six minutes later.

The injury jinx struck again when experienced flanker Glyn Dewhurst made way for Andrew Retallick but Hoppers began to get into the game.

Both Russell Flynn and Sean Hall enjoyed runs but once again poor passing some promising moves.

The pressure told, however, and lock Luke Monument was yellow carded for killing the ball and Flynn kicked the penalty in the 25th minute to reduce the arrears to two points.

Park hit straight back when some poor defence let in the elusive Chris Clark and this time the kick was good.

Now it was Hoppers' turn to retaliate and a strong drive from a lineout took play deep into the opposing 22 and, when the ball was released, Cameron Berry took the ball at pace to batter through and Flynn converted.

This boosted home confidence and with Marc Balshaw and Retallick leading a charge, a drive from a 5-metre lineout was held up over the line and when Park again infringed, Flynn obliged with the boot to put Hoppers a point in front after 36 minutes.

But the lead was short-lived as the Park fullback replied with a penalty to put his side 15-13 up at the break.

Park immediately raised the tempo in the second period and once again scored in the first minute when they made the most of turnover ball and fast hands put in winger Kerr. Sustained pressure tested Hoppers' defence and after 52 minutes it cracked as flanker Riddell charged through to touch down.

Both kicks failed but the visitors had built up a 12-point cushion.

Hoppers at last got their hands on the ball and Darren Wilson back at the base of the scrum started to make some inroads but again Park made the most of turnover ball and Chris Clark raced in for his second try.

With 15 minutes left, Hoppers did their best to salvage at least a losing bonus point but a number of forward drives failed to cross the line before the final whistle.

Hoppers travel to Hull Ionians on Saturday and need a win to draw away from the ominously near relegation zone.