Preston Grasshoppers were hoping to build on last week's victory against Otley before their week off next week but the game got off to an uncharacteristically slow start with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities.

Hoppers were forced into some early changes due to unfortunate injuries to Josh Ryan and Ewan Naylor before Sam Freeman opened the scoring with a penalty 20 minutes in.

It was only two minutes later when Billingham captain Luke Wilson levelled it up with a penalty of his own.

The first try of the afternoon came just before half-time, Hoppers pushed their scrum to the edge pf the try line before Ellis Causey was all alone on the byline to bundle over and score with Freeman's conversion just wide.

Tries then came like London buses for Hoppers, two more in quick succession before the half, the first a well worked move from right to left to find Zephyr Maher to score and the second Freeman using his pace well to get around a Billingham man and go over.

Freeman converted both tries to make the score at the half 22-3.

Hoppers pushed for the bonus point try to start the 2nd half and got it thanks to one of the easiest tries they'll score all season. From the scrum a combination of passes from the backs gave the visitors no chance to stop Maher going over for his 2nd try which Freeman converted in off the post.

It wasn't long then before Maher had secured his hat-trick, he found an open lane and absolutely flew past any Billingham defenders before they could even attempt to tackle him, Freeman converted again to extend the lead to 33.

The visitors then got their first try of the afternoon, only a consolation score by Louie Groark with a missed conversion by Wilson.

That obviously annoyed Dan Orwin's side who instantly replied with another try of their own, Jacob Browne with a cute tap back to Josh Ree who is held up just short before Causey acrobatically dives over the pile to put down and score his 2nd try with Freeman converting.

Billingham then got another consolation try on the board courtesy of Joe Syson which Wilson did convert this time before Hoppers put the cherry on the cake and bringing up 50 points for the afternoon, Josh Ree going over to score.

The final score Hoppers 53-15.

Head Coach Dan Orwin was "happy with the result and performance" but admits "tougher tests are coming" such as the clash against table toppers Sedgley Park in two weeks time