THIS was the best performance by the Scorpions for a few weeks, with the forwards laying the platform for a fine victory.

They started slowly and Woolston missed an easy penalty before scoring a good try which was converted to give them a 6-0 lead.

Gradually Scorpions found their rhythm and Ben Simpson darted over in the corner. Although they were having plenty of possession Scorpions kept forcing the pass, and the move would break down. Steve Woodburn settled their nerves when he forced his way over from close range after the position had been set up by Dave Ratcliffe and Luke Valente. Chris Pearson converted to put the Scorpions in front for the first time at 10-6.

Dave Tanner was having a storming game and he made a 40-metre surge down the middle and Shaun Towell supported him to score under the posts to give Pearson an easy conversion.

In the absence of the injured Jon Green, "Mr Versatility" Simon Pritchard moved to scrum half and a weaving run by him put Ben Simpson in for a try to make it 20-6 at half-time.

Three minutes into the second half Dave Tanner scored a deserved try from a Shaun Towell pass. Then Woolston scored a try after concerted pressure on the Scorpion's line. Chris Pearson increased the lead with a penalty in front of the posts when Woolston were caught offside.

Ben Simpson completed his hat-trick with an excellent try when Dave Tanner chipped over the Woolston defence and Simpson caught the ball on the full and sprinted over the line.

The Warrington side pulled the score back to 34-16 with a converted try. But the Scorpions kept on playing expansive rugby and Simon Pritchard finished off a crossfield move to dive over.

In the last minute Ben Simpson scored his fourth try when Steve Morris gave him a superb pass to put him in the clear.

The Scorpions will be hoping to take this form into their top-of-the-table clash at home next week against Leigh East.

Blackpool Scorpions 44 Woolston 16