Preston Grasshoppers 22 Wharfedale 35: Hoppers' home struggles continue
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Their on-the-line defence stood up well, but four of the visitors’ five tries came from open play to leave coaches and fans equally frustrated.
Director of rugby Alex Keay said: “We look a decent side when we do the right things, but we can’t keep our focus.
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Hide Ad“Wharfedale are a good side and were a lot more patient on the ball. We didn’t dictate the tempo until we realised we had to run it.
“I’m not too worried. Our trajectory is going the right way, but we need time to keep getting the boys to do the right things at the right times. It takes time to gel. We are not a mountain away.”
Hoppers spent most of the first 20 minutes under siege in their own 22, not helped by a couple of charged-down clearance kicks, but resisted well before taking a surprise lead.
Wharfedale suffered a blocked kick of their own, giving the hosts a position from which Jack Lightowler swooped on Will Hunt’s cross-kick for an unconverted try.
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Hide AdHowever, two touchdowns in the last 10 minutes of the half gave the Dalesmen due reward for their dominance.