Game-management skills help Preston Grasshoppers to victory

Tyler Spence scored a fine individual and decisive try (photo: Mike Craig)

Assistant coach Donny Sutherland praised a good, smart team performance.

He said: “It was an important result today. Our first win on the road and first back-to-back wins this season.

“We were clinical when needed and, unlike earlier games, were very composed in the closing stages to secure the win. Discipline needs to improve but we dealt with yellow cards well.”

Hoppers took the lead in the 13th minute when the ball was released from a lineout drive and quick hands put centre Sam Stott in, Tom Davidson converting.

But the lead did not last long as Hoppers were caught napping by a quick tap penalty which saw hooker Jack Lea touch down and the kick levelled the scores.

At the restart, the visitors were reduced to 14 men as Jack Edwards was binned, but were the next to score as Matt Lamprey broke the line on halfway and outpaced the defence to score at the posts and the kick was good.

No sooner were Hoppers restored to full strength than Luke Procter saw yellow.

And this time the hosts took advantage as prop George was driven over and the scores were tied again.

But Hoppers again responded despite being a man down and good hands from Ally Murray, James Gough and Stott put Conor Trueman in and Davidson’s conversion put his side 21-14 up at the break.

Home kicker Rick Alley reduced the deficit with a penalty at the restart.

But then Trueman fielded a kick ahead and set up a counter attack and Matt Crow was in to stretch the lead to nine points.

The game was now opening up and Stourbridge replied with a sweeping  move and a try for wing Harrison.

And moments later, centre Heatley cut through from halfway and Aley’s kick gave his side the lead at 29-26.

It seemed as if Hoppers were again ‘to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory’.

But they regrouped and some forward drives put Gough over.

Then from the restart, Tyler Spence’s break and chip ahead produced a fine individual try.

Aley’s penalty secured a losing bonus point and put the hosts within one score, trailing 38-32.

But Preston Grasshoppers held out despite a very harsh red card for a high tackle by Stott which appeared mistimed rather than malicious.