BLACKBURN progressed into the next round of the Intermediate Cup, despite Sam Morgan thumping a last minute penalty kick against the woodwork to deny the home side victory.

‘Burn made it through courtesy of their group game win at Aspatria, and now face a trip to Scarborough in the next round on the road to Twickenham.

Northwich certainly proved durable opponents, and there was very little between these two evenly matched sides.

Indeed, it was the Cheshire outfit who had the first points on the scoreboard, courtesy of an early try and conversion, although they were helped by ‘Burn conceding a free kick and then penalties, followed by a yellow card for Sam Parkinson.

After this early setback, though, Blackburn settled down and they found a way back into this keenly fought tie, Jordan Pearson scoring in the corner.

Morgan kicked the extras to tie the scores.

Both sides then had a man sent to the sin bin, with Neil King joining his Northwich opponent.

While neither side seriously threatened the try line for the rest of the half, it was Morgan who did give ‘Burn the half time lead with a well taken penalty kick from forty metres out on the stroke of half time.

Northwich quickly evened up the scores two minutes into the second half, and then opportunities came and went for both sides.

However, it was Northwich who forged ahead again, a further penalty edging them into the lead 13-10.

Morgan had an opportunity to even the score, but his kick hit the post, although a few minutes later he made amends as he slotted three points to bring Blackburn level again.

Play continued to be tight with neither side able to break the other down, but when Northwich won a 35 metre penalty, the kick sailed between the posts as they forged ahead once more.

However, it was a Morgan penalty which levelled the tie for the final time with just ten minutes left, pegging their opponents back again.

Blackburn charged forward in search of a win in the final few minutes, and they had victory in their sights when they were awarded another penalty.

However, Morgan’s kicking radar was switched off and he missed again in the final moments as this thrilling tie ended all-square.

Blackburn are at Furness on Saturday.