BLACKBURN scored back to back wins for the first time this season in a hard fought encounter at Hand Lane.

Leigh and Blackburn were championship foes last season, with ‘Burn eventually winning the title last May before resuming their rivalry in North One West this term.

However, there can be no doubt that Blackburn have adapted better to their new environment, with Leigh having lost all their league games.

Blackburn coach Dino Radice was delighted with his team’s performance, though, with the visitors holding a commanding 24-5 half time lead before a brief Leigh revival in the second period.

But Blackburn were never in danger and Radice said: “Leigh came back at us, but we did a really professional job and I was proud of their efforts.

“The forwards did their work very accurately and defensively we were sound.

“We went there with a game plan and got the job done.”

Leon Fifield and Sean Hall were amongst the try scorers as Blackburn climbed into a very respectable ninth place in the table.

Radice, though, warns that Blackburn face a sterner test this weekend when fallen giants Vale of Lane, a place above them, come to Ramsgreave Drive.

“It would be lovely to beat a side that we didn’t face last season, it would do the world of good for the lads’ confidence and it would be a big boost for me too.”

He added: “I enjoy the pressure of this new league, but I know that it is all about consolidation this season.”

Wins over Eccles, Broughton Park and now Leigh has certainly got Blackburn believing that, given time, they can be a force to be reckoned at this level.

Radice said: “We are not going to be challenging for the title, but at the same time we are building a strong foundation stone and we are focusing, learning and developing.

“I’m confident about the future because Blackburn is a club on the up.”