BLACKBURN were just five minutes away from extending their unbeaten run to five games until Stockport notched two late long range tries.

Blackburn were quicker, braver and more inventive than their high flying Cheshire opponents and opened up an 11-0 lead before poor defensive decisions cost them dearly.

The home side started the game full of running, taking the game to Stockport at every opportunity. Both sides are well renowned for their strong scrummaging and the Blackburn front-row of Ridehalgh, Spicer and McCarthy did not disappoint.

And the opening score came from good work by the Blackburn forwards as Adam Smith emerged clutching the ball.

Nick Westwell added a penalty to make it 8-0 at the break and, playing with the wind, that lead was extended to 11-0 early in the second half.

As the match drew to its close, Stockport became ever more desperate and began running the ball at Blackburn from every opportunity. But rather than keep hold off the ball and wind down the game, Blackburn opted to kick possession away.

The result was two last gasp tries from the Stockport winger -- one from his own line -- which were both converted to give the visitors a last-gasp victory.

Blackburn missed out on the chance of going fourth and will not not play until the home match against on Aspull on January 4.

BLACKBURN RUFC...11 STOCKPORT...14