IT may have been one of the smallest schools competing at the Lancashire Youth Games but when it comes to tag rugby, Blacko are big things after they were crowned county winners for the second time.

The school, that has fewer than 100 pupils, made the trip to Blackpool as Pendle champions as they took on fellow borough representatives from across Lancashire.

Played on a glorious sunny day at Blackpool’s Stanley Park, Blacko were competing against the other 11 district school winners – a competition available to nearly 700 schools.

But once again, the Blacko youngsters impressed everyone with their toughness and silky skills.

It was a feat made all the more impressive as they small school in the heart of rural Pendle had to muster pupils from years four, five and aix in order to raise a team.

Three of the players had to be patched up for the trip to Blackpool in order to play having picked up a few bumps and bruises playing other sports the previous week.

And to add to their woes, Blacko who have growing reputation as the ‘kings’ of tag rugby, had another three players injured during the competition.

But they somehow toughed it out to compete and give a good account of themselves.

Blacko narrowly misssed out glory last year when they lost in a dramatic final – their match winning try ruled out as the referee was unsighted only for their opponents to go up the other end of the pitch to touchdown.

So victory second time around, after last year’s narrow loss, was even sweeter.

And the good news for Blacko – and bad news for their rivals – is that any of the team will be available for the next two to three years.

So the future certainly looks bright for the talented crop of tag rugby players who have certainly done Pendle proud and put it on the sporting map.