A TEAM that played so badly that they were once called a bunch of lemons aren't bitter because they've ripened in to the future of Blackburn Rugby Club.

The Lemons, as they are now affectionately known, are Blackburn's first Junior Colts team in five years -- the vital link between junior and senior rugby.

"Big things are expected from these players," said Colts manager, Mike Holden, who was chairman of the club's mini and junior section between 1997 to 2003.

"Not bad for a group of lads who were once called a bunch of lemons."

Holden remembers all too well when his players picked up their citric catchphrase.

"It was when they were an Under 12s team a couple of years ago and, I have to admit, the lads were having a real stinker.

"One of the watching parents obviously thought so too and shouted out that they were playing like a bunch of lemons. In typical rugby club fashion, the nickname has stuck."

But it is a name the players are fiercely proud of, so much so that they have it emblazoned across the back of their shirts.

That Under 12s team blossomed in to one of the best young sides in the county after winning the Under 14s Lancashire Plate and finishing as runners-up the year after.

And while their first season as a Colts side has been a baptism of fire, Holden is confident his young charges will come good.

"This is a very young Colts team with the majority of the players under the age of 17," he said.

"They are playing against teams that have lads who are 18, which can be something of a daunting task. At this age group, it makes a hell of a difference."

While there have been some heavy early season losses, Holden can see the bigger picture.

"Resurrecting the Colts side was vital because it is the link between juniors and seniors," he explained.

"Without it, players can simply drift away and suddenly you haven't got the players coming through. At this stage, winning is just a bi-product of what we are trying to achieve."

The Colts currently has a squad of 31 players and the aim is to have two sides up and running by next season.

"Ideally, we would have two teams where all the players are the same age," Holden continued.

"That way, they can progress together. A lot of clubs mix the older players with younger ones. That is something we will try to avoid if possible."

A number of the players are already training with the seniors and have match day roles such as carry the water and putting out the flags.

Holden added: "This is something we try to encourage. The youngsters are beginning to get to know the senior players, which is important because one day soon they will be team-mates.

"Players such as Andrew Snape, Ben Jones, Lewis Bromiley, William Dickinson and Jonathan Jones have already begun to catch the eye.

"They are a talented bunch who are the future of our club."

Any players interested in joining Blackburn RUFC's Colts section should contact Mike Holden on 07906 6357586.