BLACKBURN clinched the North West Third XV League title with a devastating display of power rugby as they ran in 12 tries.

Back row forwards Mickey Doolan and Dominic Moon stole the show with four tries apiece while Nick Coe, Andrew Sutcliffe, Andy Ridehalgh and Nick Archer also crashed over.

Archer completed a successful day with the boot, kicking seven conversions as Blackburn sealed the championship in style with one game still to go.

Blackburn's tight front five provided the platform to release the pace of the back row and the backs.

Prop Roger Carins and Second Rows, Simon Tab and Steve Jones were immense in both the tight and the loose play while the creativity of Andrew Sutcliffe in the midfield made sure Blackburn were always in command.

Blackburn were 38-0 up at the break but continued to show their ruthless streak after the break running in four more tries.

BLACKB'N DEVELOP...74 DUKINFIELD...7

Thirds triumph

THERE is no love lost between these two sides and this match proved just the case as Blackburn won a combative and abrasive encounter at sunny Warton.

The referee was forced to blow up early as the game disintegrated into a succession of niggles and off the ball flair-ups -- but by then Blackburn had already secured victory.

The visitors ran in three first half tries through scrum half Richard Bradford, Jim Coleman and centre Nigel Atherton to hold a slender lead over Warton who had scored two tries of their own.

Blackburn gained the initiative early in the second half with man-of-the-match James George-Smith scoring two tries followed by quick tries from prop Graham Mackendry and centre Henning Kaaber.

Captain Jim Coleman said: "I'm really proud of the lads today for keeping their discipline and showing restraint in a rather intimidating environment. We can now look forward to our last home game of the season next Saturday against Bolton."

BAe WARTON FIRSTS...19 BLACKBURN THIRDS...50