Blackpool Stanley 20 Haresfinch 27 FINCH showed great character and resilience to overcome a typically robust Blackpool side who had done 'the double' over them last season.

After dominating the opening quarter the visitors should have had more to show for their efforts than a well-worked try by full-back John Jackson, goalled by player/coach Billy Platt.

Those missed chances looked likely to prove costly as Blackpool hit back with two converted tries to lead 12-6 at the interval. And when the seasiders stretched their advantage with a penalty early in the second half, the home men must have been confident of victory.

Finch had other ideas though and they came roaring back in fine style when flying wingman Dave Swift outjumped a posse of Blackpool defenders to collect an astute cross kick by second-row Jeff Brown and claim a try which Platt converted from near to the touchline.

A Platt penalty tied the scores and then the veteran packman powered over under the posts and added the goal to make it 20-14 to the visitors.

Blackpool quickly replied with a second converted try by prop-forward Andy Runciman to set the scene for an exciting final 10 minutes, but it was Finch who finished the stronger to deservedly claim the points. Firstly, Brown slotted over a drop goal to edge them ahead again, then centre Andy Sterricker broke through for a well-taken try, with Platt's fifth goal completing the scoring.

Other outstanding displays in an excellent all-round team effort by Finch came from centre Lee Simmons, half-back Ian Kenyon, and young back-row forward Damian Clitheroe.

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