Grasshoppers closing in on title triumph

Northern Premier

PRESTON Grasshoppers look to have the league sewn up after they increased their lead to 10 points following a 31-14 win at home to Rossendale.

Niall Crossley, Alex Hurst and Matt Lampry were the home try scorers with Sam Scott adding two conversions a penalty ensuring the bonus point.

Rossendale also forced a penalty try with Jack Ward over for the second converted by Lewis Allen.

Unable to take the bonus point, Lymm slipped back a touch despite beating Kendal 21-7. Matt Hands, Andy Davies and Tom Bray were the home try scorers all converted by Cormack Nolan.

Hull also failed to secure a bonus point, despite beating Billingham 19-7. Callum Lancaster crossed for two with Steve Johnson over for one.

Johnson also kicking two conversions. Tom Biggs was the try scorers for Billingham, both converted by Dan Finney.

Harrogate were 28-10 winners at home to Kirkby Lonsdale. Charlie PurkissMcEndoo went over for two with Guy Coser and Luke White, who also slotted four conversions, in for one each.

Morley eased some pressure at the foot of the table, coming out 11-6 at home to Birkenhead Park in a huge relegation battle.

Jacob Percival crossed for the Yorkshire side with Mark Chester slotting two penalties.

Dave Hall, with two penalties, was the sole points scorer for the visitors. 'Park are now second from bottom and will need a rapid change in fortunes if they are not to go straight back to North One West.

Sandal edged a little further into the safety zone taking a much-needed bonus point in their 33-26 win at home to Wirral.

Jack Townsend went over for two tries with Steve Nolson, Alex Edler and Nick Carolan in for one each, Greg Wood adding four conversions.

For Wirral, James Annetts bagged two with Mark Gidman and Craig Harvey over for one apiece, Annetts also landing three conversions.

It was tight at Stacks Field with Ilkley just shading it 28-22 at home to bottom of the table Pocklington. Ken McGee, Elliott Morgan, Tony Milner and Jack Cockerham were the try scorers all converted by Morgan.