Blackburn could not have picked a harder start to the New Year as they visited high-flying Fleetwood, especially considering the Christmas break and the fact that they had not had a game since December 3.

On a heavy pitch the game was never going to be a classic, however Fleetwood looked the most threatening throughout the match and they established a 22-0 lead – scoring four tries in the process and securing a bonus point win.

But coach Dino Radice (below) would have been pleased with the spirit shown by his side as they came more into the game in the last quarter and managed two tries of their own.

From the start of the match Fleetwood showed their intent to try and secure as many tries as possible and scored their first in the 14th minute, catching, driving and crashing over from a line-out deep in the Blackburn 22.

The try was converted and on 29 minutes, Fleetwood added a second try to lead 12-0. And Blackburn were given an uphill task by the break as Fleetwood scored a third try following several phases of play to lead 17-0 at half time.

Fleetwood started the second half as they had finished the first, by maintaining the pressure on Blackburn and were only prevented from a further try, after fullback, Richard Maudsley made a try saving tackle.

But a fourth did arrive 10 minutes in to the half, this time Fleetwood created an overlap after maintaining possession through several phases of play.

That was where the scoring ended for the home team as Blackburn defended well to keep Fleetwood at bay.

And on 69 minutes, Blackburn had their reward for not giving up by scoring their first try of the game – Max Fullalove took a quick tap from a penalty on the Fleetwood 22, from the centre of the pitch he looped round the defence to score in the corner.

And Blackburn added a second try three minutes from time when Fleetwood knocked on and the visitors recycled and winger Zac Child scored in the corner.