IT'S often said that good things come to those who wait. But in the case of Blackburn Rugby Club, the wait lasted 125 years!

The club's seniors re-wrote the record books with a 24-10 victory over Aspull to secure a place for the Thwaites Lancashire Trophy in the cobwebbed trophy cabinet at Ramsgreave Drive.

The victory comes three years after the team was beaten in the final of the same competition by Aldwinians, a defeat which must have made those at the club think victory was never meant to be.

But club stalwarts, who have fought valiantly for a trophy in the past, always knew it was possible. Barry Hadwin joined the club aged 16 in 1956 and played for them until 1974 before taking up refereeing and later referee assessing. He now attends all their games to look after the players and the referee.

Barry, 64, of Dukes Brow, said: "Apart from the odd plate competition, this is the first thing I can remember us winning. We got through to the final of this competition in 2001 and were quite well beaten.

"It's brilliant to win something because the team have played very well all season and they deserved it."

Club president and former player Roger Graham has also spoken of the players' determination to get it right this time round. He said: "The players went about it in a very professional manner."

Another stalwart Ken Wooley, joined the club during the 1940s and became captain in 1952. The former club president, who now lives in Chipping, said: "The club is delighted. It is a significant step forward."

The club has dedicated the victory to coach Phil Crayston after losing his services due to illness. Phil is now on the road to recovery.