Grasshoppers down the basement boys

Northern Premier

PRESTON Grasshoppers extended their lead at the top of the table following a 17-25 win away at bottom club Pocklington.

Yet they were made to fight every inch of the way against a side that refused to be cowed by the league leaders and took the lead early in the second half.

However the extra firepower of the Lancashire side told in the second period with enough to seal the match an take a bonus point.

Matt Lamprey led the way with two tries with Sam Scott and Scott Jordan over for one each. Jobe Roxby kicked one conversion and a late penalty to deny the home side a losing bonus point.

Lymm slip back to fourth despite beating

Kirkby Lonsdale 5-11 at Underley Park, the lack of a bonus point proving crucial. Peter Ashall was the try scorer for the visitors

but could only manage a penalty either side of the half from Cormack Nolan, Matthew Bargh crossing for the home side who pick up a much-needed losing bonus point.

Harrogate are now in second place taking the bonus point following a 726 win away at

Rossendale. Luke Edwards with two, Danny Matthews and Jonny Coser were the visitors try scorers with Luke White successful with all three conversions.

Hull also move up a place after winning 26-20 at home to Sandal. Steve Johnson, Joe Stafford, Zak Poole and Mike Adlard crossed the whitewash with Johnson adding three conversions. James Ellar with two and Steve Nolan crossed for the visitors, Ellar also landing a conversion and a penalty.

Birkenhead Park were hammered 10-58 at home to Billingham. Gaz Coy and Will Titherington went over for the home side. For Billingham, Luke Wilson went in for two with Peter Evans, Elliott Husband, Joe Evans, Ben Walton, Tom Briggs, Matt Kirkby and Ryan Kirkbride in for one each, all converted by Dan Finney who also slotted a penalty.

Kendal were 22-0 victors at home to Morley. Chris Bratton bagged two with Brett Ashley and Dom Musetti in for one each, Chris Park knocking over one conversion.

Ilkley’s scheduled game against Wirral was postponed.