Blackpool second XV 7 BAE Warton 8

BLACKPOOL fought hard in this Halbro Plate round four tie and really didn't deserve to lose.

Club vice captain Adam Brookes made a welcome return from injury to play only his second game this season and proved that, even though he was lacking match practice, he could still be a handful in the back row.

Blackpool started the first half by immediately applying pressure on the visitors. This pressure was to be maintained for almost the entire first half but they were unable to convert it into points on the board.

The scrum worked well together with special mention being made to stand in hooker O'Brien for his sterling efforts managing to take six against the head as well as winning his own ball.

The second row was the usual powerhouse giving nothing and the back row set about their task with diligence. The backs worked well with some of the excellent ball provided by the forward platform, but, as mentioned previously, were unable to cross the Warton line to score.

The sides went in at 0 - 0 at half time, although Warton must have wondered what had hit them with the way that Blackpool were playing.

The second half was much the same as the first with Blackpool applying the pressure. The only time Warton were able to make any headway into Blackpool territory resulted in them scoring.

Firstly they managed to score a penalty and then an unconverted try. Blackpool hit back with a try of their own, scored by back row Adam Brookes and was converted by captain and stand off Mike Routliff. This took the score to 7 - 8, a score, which was to stay the same for the remainder of the game.

Blackpool began to turn the screw again but were unable to score those all-important points, which would have seen them into the next round.

They did however have one last attempt in the dying minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Captain Routliff stepped up to take it but unfortunately hit an upright before bouncing back into play not having gone over the crossbar.

This was not to be Blackpool's day; they played extremely well and, even though the scores were not coming, never let their heads go down. It should also be said that the Warton defence was very good in having to cope with the consistent Blackpool pressure.

The Blackpool first XV friendly fixture against Clitheroe was called off by the visitors so a full training session was held prior to the second XV fixture.

The 1st XV are back in league action next week when they travel to Bolton and the 2nd XV are also in league action at home against Chorley.