Hoppers look almost out of sight now

WITH four games postponed due to the weather, on top of other matches still to be caught up, the league table is becoming increasingly difficult to follow with some clubs now four matches off the pace.

This was of little concern to league leaders Preston Grasshoppers who have now opened up a 22-point gap at the top after hammering Kendal 87-7 at Lightfoot Green and without doubt are almost impossible to catch as the other clubs must scramble for second place.

There were three hattricks for the home side from Matt Lamprey, Scott Jordan and Niall Crossley, with James Fitzpatrick, Alex Hurst, Peter Altham and Matt Fings crossing for one each. Jack Squirrel converted 11 out of the 15 tries.

Chris Bratten’s try was Kendal’s only response.

It was 35-7 at half time, but with the Cumbrian side beginning to feel the pressure and the pace Hoppers ran in a further 52 points in the second period.

They also remain undefeated and, although they have a number of tough games to come, they could go through the season with that record intact.

Harrogate moved into fourth place after beating

Birkenhead Park 30-23, though relegation- threatened Park, who fought hard throughout, deserved to go home with at least the losing bonus point.

Greg Coser, Mark Dodds, Olli Rosillo and Harry Butler were the Harrogate try scorers with Luke White adding two conversions and two penalties .

For Park, Will Githerington and Martin O'Keefe crossed for tries, both converted by Dave Hall, to add to three first-half penalties.

In the final game played, a rejuventated Morley move above Birkenhead

Park in the table after beating Wirral 22-19 at Scratcherd Lane.

Brendan Hammon and Danny Thomas both went over for tries for the home side, who also forced a penalty try.

Mark Chester was on target with a conversion and a penalty.

For Wirral, Mark Williams, Dan Harvey and Craig Harvey went over for tries while Craig Harvey added two conversions in the narrow win.