Blackburn 13

Altrincham Kersal 9

IT proved a war of attrition at Ramsgreave Drive as Blackburn held on grimly for their second league win in a row.

And as Blackburn soared into the top half of North One West, Dino Radice predicts that his side can challenge the leading pack.

The Blackburn coach said: “There’s still a lot of work to be done, but it is a happy place to be right now and I’m proud of that.

“The mood is good, we are developing as a club, and if we can continue on that path then, maybe, we can push for a top five finish.”

He added: “Defensively we were superb in the second half, but I’m confident that there’s plenty more to come from the squad.”

Blackburn opened the scoring after quarter of an hour, and it was no more than they deserved after a promising start.

An ambitious goal attempt from Kersal fell well short, and Rob Melling turned provider for Leon Fifield.

Breaking out of his own 22, Fifield chipped the ball ahead, but the awkward bounce took it away from him.

However, Cameron Boulter had chased the chip – and he was able to run in unchallenged to score. Fifield added the extras as ‘Burn edged seven points clear.

But Kersal replied quickly with a well kicked penalty from forty metres.

Fifield’s kicking radar was switched on and he slotted over a penalty of his own shortly afterwards to restore their seven point cushion.

Just before half-time, though, Blackburn gave away a soft penalty and their lead was reduced to 10-6 at the break.

In the second half Kersal really took hold of the game and another penalty saw them close the gap to just a single point in arrears.

‘Burn continued to resist the visitors’ attacks and they even managed to extend their lead against the run of play after Fifield’s penalty from the half way line sailed over the posts.

Kersal looked to have found a way back into the game when they awarded another penalty - but the kicker saw his effort hit the woodwork and the home side were able to clear the danger. Kersal kept pushing for a try right to the end, but they could not break through again.

Blackburn go to Birkenhead Park on Saturday.