Hoppers are beaten at last in niggly affair

Northern Premier

THE big shock was a first defeat for league leaders Preston Grasshoppers, who went down 17-12 away at Kirkby Lonsdale.

In a match with far too much niggle, both sides crossed for two tries each, through Ben Walker and Harry Huddleston for Kirby and Scott Jordan and Paul Arnold for the Hoppers, but it was the boot of Tom Pickthall that made the difference with one conversion and two penalties with a sole conversion from Hoppers’ Jake Squirrel.

Lymm, who have two games in hand over the leaders, were perhaps hoping for something more from their 5-14 win away at Birkenhead

Park, but in the end they were thankful to Cormack Nolan, who crossed for his side’s only try and also slotted three penalties. For Park, Sean Mooneywent over for a try.

Hull remain third after winning 15-5 at home to

Morley. Joe Martin, Lee Birch were the try scorers, with Steve Johnson successful with a conversion and a penalty. Ollie Flegg was the Morley try scorer.

It was heartbreak at Mint Bridge, where

Kendal went down 13-14 to a late try from visitors

Harrogate. Kris Bratton was the Kendal try scorer, converted by Glenn Weightman, who also added two penalties . Aaron York was the try scorer for Gate, to add to three penalties from the boot of Luke White.

Wirral lost 12-27 at home to Billingham. Josh Stead and Stuart Gratton were the home try scorers, with James Annetts adding one conversion. Tom Briggs (2), Dan Dixon, Matt Kirkby and Adam Garner crossed in reply.

Rossendale, four matches behind schedule, were 36-8 winners at home to Pocklington.

Phil Mills went in for three with Tom Leader, Ryan McKibbin and George Peel claiming one each. Lewis Allen was on target with three conversions.

Owen Jackson crossed for Pocklington, to add to an earlier penalty from Dan Elliott.

In the final game of the round, Sandal were 3-21 winners away at Ilkley.

Simon Frewin and James Stewart were the try scorers, with Greg Wood managing one conversion and three penalties.