BLACKBURN were left to wonder what might have been as they went down to North Lancs and Cumbria League defeat in Cumbria on Saturday as Aspatria ran out 23-16 winners with only a losing bonus point to console them.

For much of the match Blackburn had the superior possession, territory and numbers, as three Aspatria players were sin binned over the course of the 80 minutes.

Yet the away side could not turn this superiority into points, partly due to a resolute Aspatria, but mainly due to spilt passes, losing composure and not taking advantage of opportunities that they had worked hard to create.

After the opening exchanges it appeared there was only going to be one winner as Burn started on fire.

They won a penalty straight from the kick off, allowing Leon Fifield to slot them into a three-point lead and after 16 minutes they got the first try of the match as Rob Parker went over.

Two Jack Clegg penalties brought Aspatria into the game before they went into the lead thanks to a converted try.

Another converted try saw them lead 20-8 at the interval but Parker scored his second try and Fifield booted a penalty to leave the game in the balance only for Clegg to once again extend the Aspatria lead.

And despite late pressure Burn only had a losing bonus point to show for from their long trip.