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Sat 09 Sep 2017 · Northern Premier
Preston Grasshoppers
1st XV
34
19
Tries: R Pearl, S Gratton, J AnnettsConversions: J Annetts (2)Yellow Carded: J Yarker
Match Preview
Andrew Broadbent8 Sep 2017 - 08:20
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THE KICK-OFF TIME FOR THIS GAME IS 2.30PM
This Saturday Wirral travel to Lightfoot Green to take on Preston Grasshoppers (PGH), this will be a another historic occasion for the famous Lancashire club as it will be the first time the First XVs have met!
PGH was founded on 28 September 1869 at a meeting held at the Bull Hotel, Preston, making it one of the oldest 'northern' rugby union teams. Grasshoppers' players who have progressed to bigger stages include A.N. Hornby, the first man to captain both the English national rugby and cricket sides, Dick Greenwood and his son Will Greenwood, later to play outside centre for Harlequins and England, second row star Steve Borthwick, captaining Bath and playing a key role in the England international side, Wade Dooley, who won 55 caps in the second row for England, and Paul Grayson, who went on to play a number of games at fly half for England. Other past players gaining England caps include Don Rutherford and Iain Balshaw.
At the end of the 2015–16 Season Preston Grasshoppers accepted an offer from the RFU to replace the grass surface at Lightfoot Green Lane with an artificial 3G pitch.
After relegation when finishing last in National 2 North last season ‘hoppers have recruited extensively over the Summer months in their attempt to bounce straight back up to Division 2. Making their home league debuts on the plastic playing surface will be James Fitzpatrick at Centre, Matt Lamprey at No.8 and Paul Arnold (2nd Row and Head Coach) all of whom scored tries last time out at Sandal. Scrum half Jake Squirrell will also make his home debut having kicked three conversions last week. Others making their home debut include Sam Stott (Centre), George Skofic (Winger), Skipper ‘PJ’ Millea (Hooker) and Olly Trippier (Back Row).
PGH’s first game in this league saw them use their size and strength to dominate Sandal and storm to a 3-try (0-19) lead in the first 20 minutes only for the fast-running home side to come back into it in the 2nd half. ‘Hoppers sealed the win however (24-26) with a converted try in the last minute.
Preston Grasshoppers team:
1. Oga Mabaya, 2. PJ Millea (c), 3. Pete Altham, 4. Paul Arnold, 5. Ally Murray, 6. Sam Gale, 7. Olly Trippier, 8. Matt Lamprey, 9. Jake Squirrell 10. Mark Murray 11. George Skofic, 12. James Fitzpatrick, 13. Sam Stott; 14. Conor Trueman, 15. Niall Crosley 16. Alex Isherwood 17. Chris Roddy 18. Will Hunt
This Saturday Wirral travel to Lightfoot Green to take on Preston Grasshoppers (PGH), this will be a another historic occasion for the famous Lancashire club as it will be the first time the First XVs have met!
PGH was founded on 28 September 1869 at a meeting held at the Bull Hotel, Preston, making it one of the oldest 'northern' rugby union teams. Grasshoppers' players who have progressed to bigger stages include A.N. Hornby, the first man to captain both the English national rugby and cricket sides, Dick Greenwood and his son Will Greenwood, later to play outside centre for Harlequins and England, second row star Steve Borthwick, captaining Bath and playing a key role in the England international side, Wade Dooley, who won 55 caps in the second row for England, and Paul Grayson, who went on to play a number of games at fly half for England. Other past players gaining England caps include Don Rutherford and Iain Balshaw.
At the end of the 2015–16 Season Preston Grasshoppers accepted an offer from the RFU to replace the grass surface at Lightfoot Green Lane with an artificial 3G pitch.
After relegation when finishing last in National 2 North last season ‘hoppers have recruited extensively over the Summer months in their attempt to bounce straight back up to Division 2. Making their home league debuts on the plastic playing surface will be James Fitzpatrick at Centre, Matt Lamprey at No.8 and Paul Arnold (2nd Row and Head Coach) all of whom scored tries last time out at Sandal. Scrum half Jake Squirrell will also make his home debut having kicked three conversions last week. Others making their home debut include Sam Stott (Centre), George Skofic (Winger), Skipper ‘PJ’ Millea (Hooker) and Olly Trippier (Back Row).
PGH’s first game in this league saw them use their size and strength to dominate Sandal and storm to a 3-try (0-19) lead in the first 20 minutes only for the fast-running home side to come back into it in the 2nd half. ‘Hoppers sealed the win however (24-26) with a converted try in the last minute.
Preston Grasshoppers team:
1. Oga Mabaya, 2. PJ Millea (c), 3. Pete Altham, 4. Paul Arnold, 5. Ally Murray, 6. Sam Gale, 7. Olly Trippier, 8. Matt Lamprey, 9. Jake Squirrell 10. Mark Murray 11. George Skofic, 12. James Fitzpatrick, 13. Sam Stott; 14. Conor Trueman, 15. Niall Crosley 16. Alex Isherwood 17. Chris Roddy 18. Will Hunt
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