Preston Grasshoppers RFC were formed in 1869 and are one of the oldest clubs in England, with one of the most unforgettable names.
Hull first played against the ‘Hoppers in season 2004-05, which was our first season in the old North Division One. Preston had been relegated, along with Sheffield and in the two games played they beat us 34-32 at Haworth Park and 18-13 at Lightfoot Green. They had a very good season and were duly promoted back from whence they came.
In season 2008-09 we played them again at Lightfoot Green in round three of the EDF Energy National Cup and again lost by 27-10 but the following season we were promoted to National League Two (North) where we were to clash with them for the next six seasons.
2009-10 – Hoppers 24 – Hull 0, Hull 24 – Hoppers 19
2010-11 – Hoppers 18 – Hull 18, Hull 38 – Hoppers 21
2011-12 – Hull 30 – Hoppers 31, Hoppers 29 – Hull 36
2012-13 – Hull 31 – Hoppers 36, Hoppers 55 – Hull 12
2013-14 – Hull 22 – Hoppers 30, Hoppers 43 – Hull 13
2014-15 – Hoppers 11 – Hull 16, Hull 19 – Hoppers 29. (This was the last game between the two clubs).
This last game saw both clubs facing relegation if other results went against them and it was likely that the victorious side would avoid the drop. We lost and were relegated along with Stockport and Birmingham Solihull.
In all these 15 games Hoppers have won 9, Hull have won 5 and 1 game has been drawn.
Saturday’s game sees both sides with 10 maximum points. Hull are top and Hoppers fourth with both Lymm and Kirkby Lonsdale also on maximums. This is certainly the match of the day in the Northern Premier Division and should be a cracker of a game.
Compiled by Norman Angell.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 