INDISCIPLINE and poor game management accounted for Blackburn's defeat in losing bruising encounter which went right to the wire.

The score line was never more than one try apart. Tarleton's first score stung Blackburn into action. They created a couple of good chances before scrum half Richard Bradford put in a pin-point cross-kick for winger Kevin Ainsworth to side-step his opposite number, the score bringing Blackburn back into the game, the half ending 5-7.

Tarleton took the lead following another powerful forward surge but the visitors took the game to their bulkier hosts, a delightfully skillful break from fly half and Man of the Match Micky Cottam made the score 10-14.

Blackburn looked to have held onto their lead until, in the last minute of the game, a series of quick penalties for dissent and off-side presented the home side with an all too easy score and the victory.

"Those involved let themselves down, but more importantly their team-mates with a barmy last couple of minutes, and all that previous hard work has been wasted," reflected stand-in skipper Paul Schofield.

TARLETON FIRST XV...17 BLACKBURN 3rds...14