BLACKBURN held a day of dual celebration last Sunday when they played host to Lancashire Under 21s.

With the opening of the new clubhouse extension and promotion to League North Two, the sizeable crowd came expecting a spree of festival rugby and neither side disappointed.

The county representatives are rated some leagues above Blackburn's current status and while the chief aim was to please the crowd this involved securing a handsome victory.

It did not take long for Blackburn's heavier pack to dominate their opponents, supplying quick ruck ball to the short but effective charges of Stuart Jarrold, John Beeston and Graham McKendry.

The home side was able to stick to this dynamic pattern only releasing the ball wide when it was safe to do so, but with devastating effect. Lancashire found wing man Ewan McGregor difficult to tackle when he cut inside and forced his way over to open the scoring.

Lancashire were quick to respond with a try showing they were dangerous when given space in which to run.

Blackburn needed all of their substitutes in a game littered with injuries and the constant reshuffling may have unsettled a lesser side. Elusive centre Simon Greenhalgh did not allow this to disrupt a masterly performance that included four tries, jinking his way through for Blackburn's next two.

The visitors were finding difficulty breaking away from some fierce defensive work, but their second try of the half, a 60-yard effort, resulted from some splendid handling and determined running.

Blackburn's next score came from a Greenhalgh break into space to replacement right winger Dave Farley who ghosted through the cover to score beneath posts. Throughout the half Mick McHugh and Martin Smith had their way in the lineout providing valuable possession, but it was hooker Jonny Smyth who rounded off the next try.

The final contribution of the half came from South African import Freeman Payne and with skipper Nick Westhead kicking three conversions the score was 36-10 at half time.

The county came out bursting with intent after some stern words and their approach soon woke Blackburn from any complacency. But the home side scored first, Adam Smith was on hand to finish a trusty move down the blindside.

Lancashire, to their credit never stopped running the ball and with the talent they had on display it was unsurprising that their next two scores were flowing back's efforts. Blackburn ended the match in the ascendancy with Greenhalgh scoring his third and fourth.

Tomorrow Blackburn play Widnes in the next round of the Lancashire Cup (kick-off 7pm).

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