Blackburn 37 De la Salle 8

6:16pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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BLACKBURN stormed into the semi finals of the Lancashire Trophy following a comprehensive victory over their Salford opponents.

The home side now face Aldwinians at home on Saturday, April 26 for a place in the final which is likely to be held at Preston Grasshoppers on Bank Holiday, Monday, May 5.

Burn were in control of the tie from the start and scored after just five minutes when Number 8 Jordan Pearson burst over from a dominant five metre scrum.

Skipper Paul Bleasdale added a conversion and a penalty to stretch the lead to 10-0.

That lead was stretched even further when Blackburn scored a second try following a powerful forward drive with Bleasdale adding a conversion. De La Salle got their first points on the board with a penalty on the stroke of half time.

Blackburn continue their impressive display after the break with Maudsley and Millea added further tries.

Bleasdale converted both and added a further penalty before being forced from the field with a bloodied nose following some strong arm tactics.

The visitors scored a late try but Barnes had the last word for Blackburn, stroking over a penalty with five minutes remaining to ensure an impressive victory.

Chairman of Rugby Gareth Dyer said: "We talked about the need for control at the tackle area and to play with common sense.

"We played some very controlled stuff and our finishing was clinical. The forwards were superb and the re-jigged backline looked to have a nice balance about it.

"We now face a tough semi final against Aldwinians who were the last team to win at Ramsgreave some 18 months ago and I'm sure both teams will be determined to get a final spot."

BLACKBURN: McCarthy, Millea, Reay, Miller, Beeston, Copping, Jarrold, Pearson, Bleasdale, Lambert, Maudsley, Elston, Sutcliffe, Barnes, Radice Subs:Calcutt, Doolan, Peel.