A try in the final play of the game gave Grasshoppers II victory over Old Priorian Saints, as OPs were denied victory in an epic encounter in the rain at Syon Lane.

The Saints made an excellent start to go 10-0 up early on, Theo Morris the first to get on the scoresheet before scrum half Ruben Yue's excellent snipe down the blindside of a ruck doubled the advantage. Grasshoppers were able to strike back immediately (though it is worth noting the conversion was charged down by Will Poyntz), then move ahead as the somewhat errant tackling on both sides was self evident.

Luke Pedreschi's fine solo effort on his Saints debut then put his side back ahead, but once again Grasshoppers fought back, mostly through the efforts of their impressive number 8 Chibeuz Ateugwu, his athleticism allowing him to outstrip the defensive line time and time again. Two tries for the hosts before half time made the score 22-15 at the break, Priorians spurning a good chance to score when deep in enemy territory with Hoppers then travelling the length of the pitch to cross the line.

As the wind and the rain continued to fall, OPs began to take control of the match in the second half, able to shift the momentum in their favour and retain good ball ; yet, Grasshoppers extended their lead with the defence breached once more to establish a healthy twelve point cushion.

This may well have been the turning point in the fixture as the Saints rallied back with some gusto - first through a finely angled run by Will Poyntz, then a short range effort from James Sarek to level proceedings at the match lurched into the final twenty minutes. An altercation between opponents caused a disruption in play that saw yellow cards on both sides, adding extra spice to the game.

Another Hoppers try edged them back in front, but OPs made the most of opposition indiscipline and tight phases, paired with the classic pick and go option, put Kit Mawer over twice as remarkably, the Saints led with three minutes left on the clock, with a chance to close the match out.

However, it was not to be. Despite getting clean ball back from the kick off, indecision and risk were the deciding factors as Grasshoppers were able to get hold of the ball from the set piece and work their way into the 22 with the clock moving into the red ; eventually, the pressure told and a converted try gave the Osterley outfit victory in an 80 minutes full of action.

It must be noted that OPs ended the fixture with thirteen men on the pitch and were hampered by injury throughout ; to lose with the last play is somewhat gut wrenching but to be able to be in a position to win against the odds is a testament to the spirit of the Saints that is beginning to emerge in this campaign.

They take four points from this match, and now have a bye week before facing London Cornish away on the 6th December.

OPRFC SCORERS

T : Morris, Yue, Pedreschi, Poyntz, Sarek, Mawer 2

C : Pedreschi 2