Burnley U24 10 Blackburn U24 24

BURNLEY and Blackburn select teams served up a real Christmas cracker over the festive period.

The match, held to give players returning home from working away or university the chance to pull on their club colours, was held at Holden Road.

Host club Burnley just managed to get 15 players out and resisted the temptation to call on a number of first team regulars – including captain Luca Angelone (right).

However, this affected Burnley’s scrum, with usual second row Andrew Chapman stepping up to prop up against a Blackburn prop who had first team experience.

Ed Taylor, back in the area after moving to London for work, had a strong game along with Tom Ives – a usual centre or wing – having a go in the pack at flanker and captaining the side. In the back line, Marcus Farnworth made some good runs for Burnley alongside his brother Will who also defended well.

Chris Stothard, nephew of club man Paul Roden, visiting from Newcastle showed real talent for an 18-year-old while full back Oli Lord was back in the area from the army and put some real telling tackles in.

Blackburn scored three tries in the first half and one in the second to take control with Burnley scoring one in each half through Ed Taylor and Chris Baxendale in what proved tobe a very competitive game.