BLACKO once again came out on top in the battle to find the best tag rugby team in Burnley and Pendle.

The top four teams from both boroughs battled it out at Pendle Phoenix RUFC.

The annual competition proved to the perfect build up for Lancashire School Games tag rugby competition where Blacko will represent Pendle and St John’s Cliviger will fly the flag for Burnley.

On this showing, both teams will have a great chance to success in the county finals at Stanley Park, Blackpool on July 1.

While Blacko won all of their seven matches, their success was built on defence as well as the ability to score tries.

For while the Pendle champions ran in 32 tries, it was only the third highest of the day.

The fact that they only conceded 18, seven fewer than runners-up St John’s Cliviger, underlined their all round skills.

Blacko finished with a total of 35 points from the seven games, seven points in front of the Saints who ended the day as leading try scorers – their 38 was one more score than Walverden managed.

The competition again demonstrated the level of rugby skill in the two borough as 17 of the 28 games were either drawn or won by one try, showing just how close it was.

The event was hosted by Pendle Pheonix RUFC with referee support from Burnley and Colne and Nelson Rugby Clubs.