Billingham 38 Preston Grasshoppers 28: Six tries give Hoppers’ hosts victory
Preston Grasshoppers suffered a disappointing final day defeat in National Two North as they lost at Billingham on Saturday.
Hoppers had been looking to continue their good form on the back of a free-scoring win against high-flying Hull Ionians.
However, it was the hosts who started better as Jamie Lane crossed twice with Luke Wilson’s conversions making it 14-0 after 25 minutes.
The second try was a wake-up call for Hoppers, who saw Hugo Castle produce a huge hit on the kick chase to force a knock-on.
Hoppers made great use of that as Sam Freeman’s delightful kick helped Owain Williams to score in the corner before the former converted.
It wasn’t long before they levelled, a scrum under the posts ending with Williams again touching down and Freeman converting to make it 14-14 at the break.
Hoppers had hoped to carry their momentum into the second half, but that wasn’t to be the case as three unanswered tries put the game beyond their reach.
Anth Jackson, Eldon Myers and Louie Groark all scored for the hosts, Wilson converting two of the tries as Billingham moved 33-14 ahead.
Nevertheless, Hoppers showed some great determination and grit in applying lots of pressure.
They were finally rewarded when Zephyr Maher crossed and Freeman continued his perfect kicking game.
Billingham capped their fine performance with a late try, Jonny Horner going over.
There was still time though for Hoppers to secure a bonus point with Harry Holden shrugging off a Billingham defender to power over.
Freeman again added the extras before the referee ended the game.