BLACKBURN RUFC hosted the fourth annual Daniel Thwaites Lancashire Sevens tournament which was dominated by teams making their first appearance.

For a strong Sale Jets side and a young international Welsh VII -- coached by ex-Blackburn Director of Rugby, Kim Norkett -- reached the final with a display of top grade rugby.

The Welsh, with four players who recently starred in the world famous Hong Kong Sevens, proved to be the surprise package reaching the knockout stage after scoring a remarkable 174 points without conceding.

Sale also swept all before them to progress to the later stages.

Host side Blackburn upset all the odds with an outstanding 15-14 win over the Anti Assassins -- with captain Paul Bleasdale scoringa brilliant individual try to clinch victory in the last minute.

The AA's were involved in the pick of the group matches, a 19-19 draw against fellow previous winners Fylde Storm.

Following the group stages, the plate tournament was as ever keenly contested. In the top half of the draw the Penguins won a resounding victory over the Blackburn Presidents when they turned a 19 point deficit into a 28 - 24 victory to reach their first final in 4 years. They were joined in the final by a competitive Aldwinians outfit who ultimately proved too strong for the youngsters, winning by a comfortable 43-0. In the main competition, the AA's were the first to score against the Welsh before eventually losing 29-5. Manchester, having overcome a spirited fight from Blackburn were next up against the team from the Valleys.

In a pulsating semi final Manchester led 10-0 and with the Welsh reduced to six men, following a sin binning offence, were about to upset the form book.

Bt the Welsh, inspired by captain Gareth Williams of Llanelli, ran out winners 24-15 to reach the final.

Sale Jets reached the final after beating Waterloo in the quarter finals and saw off Fylde with a thrilling 26-24 victory.

The final proved to be the match of the tournament with the lead changing hands three times until with one minute left Sale led 19-14. Wales came close to getting a winning try but a last ditch cover tackle denied Owen Williams a moment of glory. Blackburn RUFC sponsors Daniel Thwaites Brewery and Walker Farrimond who have both supported the event since the inaugural competition in 1999.