TYLDESLEY RU enjoyed their visit to the seaside after a slender 9-6 victory virtually ensured their place in the league for next season and condemned hosts Blackpool to a end of season battle for survival.

Tyldesley started the brighter of the two sides with stand off Mark Dickinson kicking well to the corners and the pack in uncompromising mode which welcomed back after injury Kiwi Andrew Simpson for his last game before returning home.

Following repeated infringements the referee awarded two penalties which Dickinson slotted with ease. At the break it was the only difference as the teams turned around with Tyldesley 6-0 up.

The second half saw Blackpool gain the upper hand for a short time and two penalties brought the home side level. In the final quarter of the game Tyldesley again took the ascendancy and good work from Shaun Pulman and Mark Swanton in the centre resulted in good field position and allowed Lee West to win a lineout on the Blackpool 22 and when the ball found its way to Dickinson he slotted a superb drop goal give Tyldesley the lead again.

The final few minutes saw Blackpool in all out attack but excellent defence from Tyldesley snuffed out any threat and the visitors held on for a much needed but deserved victory. A point from their remaining two games should give Tyldesley a top half of the table finish and bring the season to a satisfactory conclusion.

On Sunday at St George's Park, Tyldesley host the Lancashire Schools Cup Finals, starting at 1pm. The first of four finals sees Manchester Grammar School take on Stonyhurst College. Over the last few years current England players Will Greenwood and Ian Balshaw have graced the Finals before going on to international fame.