Blackburn Edge Past Tarleton

Tarleton had another bruising encounter against championship contenders Blackburn at home this weekend.  Tarleton put out their best squad available on paper and hoped to be able to upset the form book.

It wasn’t going to be easy as Blackburn have a pack and back line that is sprinkled with ‘Honey Monsters’ and for Tarleton to have a chance they would have to make their usual high tackle count to stop them playing to their strengths.

The first 10 minutes of the match belonged to Blackburn as their pack rampaged around the pitch causing the Tarleton front row massive problems and only brave defensive tackling kept them out.

When Tarleton had the ball and kept it in-hand they caused Blackburn some problems and using this tactic the home side started to make inroads into the Blackburn half.

From a good period of play Blackburn were penalised for dangerous play at the breakdown and Aiden Miller slotted a good penalty in blustery conditions to give Tarleton a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.

The next 15 minutes were all Tarleton’s, with the advantage of the wind behind them, they pinned Blackburn into their own half and tried to move the ball as much as possible attempting to stretch the Blackburn defence. Another penalty was awarded against Blackburn for not rolling away after the tackle and from 40 metres out Aiden Miller increased the lead to 6-0.

The defensive work Tarleton were putting in started to take its toll and injuries to Will Parker, Archie Skofic and Jamal Cantwell meant re-shuffling had to be undertaken. The subs slotted in seamlessly and Tarleton kept up the pressure and were awarded another penalty following a great break by George Skofic who made 50 metres before passing to a supporting Jack Kelly who was brought down illegally.

This penalty sailed just wide of the upright  as did the next one from a similar distance following a high tackle by the Blackburn No. 14 who was sin binned for his efforts.

Blackburn played keep ball for the next few minutes to alleviate the pressure of being a man down but from a scrum in their own 22 their scrum half was scragged by Liam Thompson and the loose ball was quickly gathered by Max Skofic who gave an inside pass to the charging Jack Skofic who crashed over for the first try of the game.

Tarleton were now 11-0 up and as the Blackburn player came back on after his 10 minutes of reflection, another was sin-binned for foul play. Tarleton pressurised again but could not add to their tally up to half time which saw the score at 11-0 to Tarleton.

From the start of the second half Blackburn, playing with the wind behind them, continued attacking with their big forwards and centres and every time Tarleton cleared their lines the Blackburn 10 put Tarleton back under pressure with some good tactical kicking.

Tarleton survived several 5 metre scrums but in the end the superiority Blackburn had in the pack with a far heavier weight ratio saw them execute a number 8 pick-up and drive to give them their first try.

At 11-5 Blackburn were back in the game and piling on the pressure, Chris Naish left the field injured and Tarleton could not seem to get out of their 22.

Blackburn scored their second try following more good forwards play and a quick ball to one of their centres coming through on the burst saw him bounce off the Tarleton defender to score under the posts. Blackburn converted this and for the first time in the game were ahead at 12-11.

Blackburn’s tails were up and using the same tactics scored a similar try that was also converted and stretched their lead to 19-11.

Tarleton still could not get out of their 22 and a penalty was awarded against them and from a 5mtr scrum Blackburn obtained quick ball and threw it out wide to their right winger who scored a good try in the corner.

At 24-11 it was looking like game over but Tarleton seemed to get a second wind and started to play possession rugby at pace and began to pull the Blackburn defence all over the pitch. Blackburns’ larger players were beginning to feel the pace and were visibly tiring.

Following at least 15 phases Jack Skofic passed the ball inside to Dave Gordon who broke through the line and slipped a pass to the supporting Tom Eckersley who went in under the posts and Aiden Miller added the extras.

Tarleton were now 6 points behind with about 10 minutes left and they were playing with a renewed confidence

From one period of play Jack Kelly broke through the Blackburn defensive line and a well-timed pass to Archie Skofic saw him crash over in the corner to score a good try. Against the wind the kick was always going to be difficult and even so the ball almost sneaked in but just went wide.

The score was 24 – 23 and with a few minutes left on the clock it was possibly too little too late and when the final whistle went Blackburn were mightily relieved.

Tarleton pick up a bonus point for being within 7 points of the opposition and this could be crucial at the end of the season.

Despite Tarletons’ position in their league this sort of play against a side with a much higher average age shows that Tarleton are playing at the right level and should survive in this league and formulate a plan to improve their position next season.

Next week sees Tarleton put out 3 teams for the first time in their history (all at home). With Sky Sports coming to film some of the Firsts match it would be nice to see everyone there on the day.

The Firsts are at home to Aspatria RUFC in what will be another hard game and the seconds who beat Leigh RUFC 22-0 to stay top of the league face Preston Grasshoppers.

Matches will be kicking off from 12.00pm with the firsts encounter starting at 3.00pm – come along and watch some quality rugby.