Preston Grasshoppers unbeaten start to the season came to an end when they lost in a high scoring game 45-35 against Wharfedale.

It was a fast start for the Yorkshire outfit, Sam Taylor using his pace well to score, Callum Trees conversion was off target however.

Hoppers looked likely to level it not long after but a stout Wharfedale defence held strong to hold Hoppers up.

The hosts then went down the other end to extend their advantage, powerfully pushing over Sid Holden to score from a scrum, Trees able to convert this time.

The end-to-end nature of the game continued, Hoppers captain Hugo Castle getting his team on the board following some consistent pressure on the Dale try line, Sam Freeman converting.

Taylor then got his brace for the hosts with an instant reply to the Hoppers try but it wasn't long before Hoppers cut the deficit again, Scott Richardson going over from a line-out.

Two quickfire tries on either side of the half for Wharfedale, scored by Omari Kauf-Samuels and Joe Adams, gave the visitors a mountain to climb.

They were not going to give up their unbeaten tag easily though.

A 5 minute brace from Jacob Browne got Hoppers right back into the game, the first helped by a powerful Sammy Russell run to break through the Dale line and the second created by a smart kick over a Wharfedale defender from Josh Ree. Freeman converted both to cut the lead to 5.

That lead was completely eradicated moments after. Ree again catching Wharfedale completely sleeping with a huge cross field kick to Ben Haigh who literally walked over to score the try that gave Hoppers the lead.

The home side didn't let Hoppers have the lead long, tries from Simon Borrill and another from Kauf-Samuels ensured the Yorkshire outfit got their first win of the season.

Hoppers head coach Dan Orwin said he was 'proud' of his team for getting back into the game but echoed Hoppers need to start being more 'consistent' across an 80 minutes.

Written by Louis Jefferson