Preston hop to it with bonus-point win

THERE was a shock at the top as Lymm were held to a 7-7 draw at Kendal, a result which knocks them off top spot as Preston Grasshoppers took the bonus point and top spot with an 8-26 win away to Rossendale.

A dominant performance from the Hoppers pack did the damage but fly-half Alex Ward grabbed the first try, while No.8 Matt Lamprey powered over for the fourth.

Kendal took an early lead with a try from Danny Barker, converted by Chris Park but the visitors levelled through a try from Olli Higginson, converted by Cormack Nolan.

Hull lost 17-23 at home to Billingham. Steve Hiheta with two and Oli Dynan were the home tryscorers, with Reece Dean slotting one conversion .

For Billingham, the boot of Dan Finney proved the difference converting tries from Dan McAlorum and Adam Gardner to add to three penalties.

Harrogate took full advantage and move up to third following a 21-27 win away at Kirkby Lonsdale, the first time the Cumbrian side have lost at Underley Park in 51 outings. Scott Armstrong with two and Stuart Story crossed, Ryan Terry landing two penalties.

Wirral were 27-17 victors at home to Sandal. Rob Pearl, Paul Lewis and Matt Loon (2) dotted down for the hosts, with James Annetts successful with one conversion. For Sandal, Simon Frewin and Elliott Numelly crossed, both converted by Greg Wood who added a penalty.

Pocklington eased their situation with a bonus-point 22-20 win at home to Ilkley. Jack Holborough led the charge with two tries, Karl Durkin and Jed Jackson claiming one apiece. Dan Elliot hit one conversion.

For Ilkley, Chris Gemmell and Dan Lawrence were the try scorers, with Ben McGee ensuring the losing bonus point with two conversions and two penalties. In the basement battle,

Birkenhead Park have given themselves some breathing space after defeating bottom side

Morley 35-12 at Upper Park. Adam Wellington and James Millward crossed for two tries each with Gareth Coy in for one. Dave Hall slotted two conversions and two penalties.