Preston Grasshoppers were full of confidence heading into their Halloween match against recently relegated Sedgley Park but knew it would be no easy task, the visitors unbeaten so far this season.

It was a quiet opening ten minutes with both sides just feeling each other out but the visitors did eventually score the opening try of the game with hooker Jack Ellam being pushed over following a line-out just outside the Hoppers try-line.

Gregory Smith was fortunate to see his conversion bounce in off the upright to extend the visitors lead to 7.

Hoppers were adamant this game wouldn't be a pushover for Sedgley like some of their others this year, a powerful drive into the opponents' 22 before some quick combination passing from the backs led to Sam Freeman crossing over to get Hoppers on the board with Freeman converting his own try to level it up.

The lead was then ours not long later, some more fast exciting rugby to give ourselves great field position before winning a penalty and capitalising on it, Dec Norrington stretching over to score following a line-out with Freeman converting.

Hoppers were made to see out the first half with 14, Matt Sturgess shown a yellow card.

The visitors instantly made use of that man advantage, James Oliver scoring the try following the resulting penalty with Smith converting to level it up.

With five minutes to go in the half Hoppers were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks and elected to go for the points, Freeman reclaiming the lead for Hoppers.

This was followed by a great defensive stand to see out the half and ensure we led going into the break.

The 2nd half resumed with Hoppers playing some more brilliant rugby, Sam Freeman extending the lead to six with another penalty kick.

Hoppers had the momentum at this point and were making full use of it, with the play out on the wing, there's a delicate kick which bounces just perfectly for Jacob Browne to touch down and extend Hoppers lead. Freeman with a great conversion from a tight angle to make the score 27 -14.

It wasn't long however until the visitors began to show why they are top of the table, two tries in five minutes scored by Adam Mallinson and Mason Winterburn, both being converted one by Smith and the other by Oliver Glasse gave the visitors a one point lead with 15 minutes to play.

The visitors couldn't seem to stop scoring however, Oliver with his 2nd try of the afternoon, converted by Glasse to give the hosts an 8 point lead.

Hoppers never gave up though and created chance after chance to try and salvage a couple of bonus points but fell just short, the final score 35-27.

Head Coach Dan Orwin said he 'couldn't be prouder' of his sides' performance and couldn't fault any of his players' performances.