Home comforts at last for Hoppers

By BEN PITKEATHLY

Preston G……………. 44

Hull Ionians…………35

A TYLER Spence hattrick gave Preston Grasshoppers their first home win of the season in a thrilling encounter.

Spence opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish within four minutes, but Ionians responded through Samuel Pocklington, who capitalised on Jacob Browne's spillage.

The visitors took the lead when James Thompson scored in a corner after a break from Josh Britton.

The Hoppers reduced the deficit through Browne's try, but Lewis Minkin slotted three penalties for Ionians to make it 21-10 at halftime.

Jack Lightowler scored a fantastic solo try after the break, and Rory Brand burst over to give the hosts the lead with 48 minutes gone.

Hoppers pulled away from the visitors, with Spence doubling his tally, before Euan Walker saw yellow for stopping a quick tap.

Will Hunt added a penalty, but Ionians fought back via Samuel Wilson's score.

Alastair Murray capped a fine team move in the 69th minute for Hoppers, before Spence sealed his hattrick to take the game out of the Yorkshire outfit's reach.

Joe Makin touched down from close for Ionians to make it a nervy final few minutes, but Preston hung on.

REFEREE: Henry Pearson

ATTENDANCE: 208

Star man

Tyler Spence -Preston G