Preston Grasshoppers return to Lightfoot Green this Saturday for Match Day 6 in National League Two North, welcoming newly promoted Scunthorpe RUFC in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

After last weekend’s trip to table-toppers Sheffield, Head Coach Dan Orwin’s side will be eager to respond with a performance that turns effort into points. Despite the 40–10 defeat, there were positives to take, not least in the team’s defensive resilience and attacking intent against one of the league’s standout sides.

“We started the game well with an extended defensive set where Sheffield just couldn’t find a way through,” Orwin reflected. “Their quality in attack cannot be denied, they consistently do the basics very well and put teams under great pressure.”

The Hoppers’ set-piece opportunities early on went begging, and injuries to Ben Corless and Scott Richardson compounded a difficult afternoon. Even so, the squad showed flashes of quality, with two well-worked tries and a determination that suggests better results are close at hand. “It was a frustrating afternoon to not come away with any league points,” admitted Orwin, “but we always knew it was going to be a big ask with Sheffield’s current form.”

Saturday brings a chance to put that frustration behind them. Scunthorpe arrive still searching for their first win of the campaign, but their narrow 18–24 defeat to Hull Ionians last time out underlined that they are no easy opponent. “Scunthorpe have shown that they’re a tough, gritty side who can score tries,” Orwin said. “We’re expecting a physical battle, here are no easy games in this league.”

With home support behind them, Hoppers will look to control territory, tighten up at the lineout, and capitalise on opportunities in the red zone. Discipline and game management, particularly in windy autumn conditions, could prove decisive.

Elsewhere in the club, momentum continues to build. The 2nd XV made it four wins from four last weekend with victory over Sale FC and now travel to Chester, while the 3rd and 4th teams are both on the road at Sedgley Park and Orrell respectively. The Colts head to Birkenhead Park on Sunday, and the Fireflies face Tarleton at home.

With confidence in the camp and a determination to make Lightfoot Green a difficult place to visit, this weekend offers an ideal opportunity for the Hoppers to kickstart their climb up the table. Expect a committed, physical contest — and a Preston side hungry to deliver in front of their home crowd.

Match Programme

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