Littleborough 40 Burnley and Pendle Lions 28

BURNLEY and Pendle Lions gave a good account of themselves, despite fielding a rookie side at Rakewood Road.

It was always going to prove a tough assignment against the league leaders, particularly with several teenagers named in the starting line-up and four others making their first team debuts.

Littleborough, then, needed no second invitation, racing into a 16-0 lead.

However, after a visibly shaky start, the visitors sparked an impressive fightback in the second quarter.

In attack, Ryan Bradley was to play an influential role, and he provided the ammunition for Burnley and Pendle’s first try.

With slick hand and footwork, he split the defence and offloaded for Rob Lawless to score on his debut.

A second try quickly followed as the visitors rallied in impressive style, reducing the deficit to 16-8 at the break as Alex Woodcock crashed over the line.

However, when Littleborough stretched their lead further with an early try, the game now seemed out of reach for the visitors.

Bradley, though, scored on his return to add to the Lions total.

The Lions pack – Healy, Lawless, Parkin, Hamer, MacDermid and Woodcock deserve special mention for their efforts, although further scores by Woodcock and Lawless were to no avail.

Indeed, every time Burnley and Pendle reduced the deficit, the home side scored to maintain their advantage.

The Lions will certainly take positives from this testing encounter ahead of their next fixture at Salford City on June 20.

BURNLEY Rugby Club is currently holding touch rugby sessions at Queens Park, opposite Blessed Trinity School, every Wednesday (6.30-7.30pm).

The sessions are open to everyone - male and female - aged over 11-years-old.

The aim is to encourage families to come and have a fun hour trying a new sport, while exercising, encourage businesses, schools and colleges to send teams of staff or students or for regular rugby players keen to keep fit in the off season.

Ring Simon Finnan on 07988 122186 for details.