A HAT-TRICK of tries by centre Dean Samouelle guided Blackburn to a thrilling 42-19 win over the previoulsy unbeaten Calder Vale.

Samouelle was the pick of the Blackburn backs as his side ran out eight tries in a free-flowing match that saw 11 touch downs.

Fellow centre Adam Taylor scored twice while there was also tries for Jonathon Walmsley, Fergal Marlborough and Chris Holden.

The match was held as a curtain raiser to the Lancashire Cup match between Blackburn 1st XV and Leigh 1st XV on Sunday.

And Blackburn certainly seemed to raise their game in front of the big crowd.

Blackburn opened the scoring with a well taken try by winger Walmsley following a good passage of play by both the forwards and backs. Despite fielding a large Calder Vale pack, Blackburn's cohesion, fierce tackling, strong mauling and rucking had Calder on the defence for most of the time and the pressure paid off with a superb try for Samouelle.

Both tries went unconverted due in the main to the windy conditions.

Further concentrated effort by Blackburn led to a try for the vastly improving Taylor and another for fly half Marlborough who was in superb form. A converted try shortly before half time for Calder Vale led to a half time score of 20-7 in Blackburn's favour.

Despite playing into the wind in the second half, superb driving by the forwards gave Blackburn plenty of possession and which resulted in a further tries for Taylor which was converted, Samouelle and a richly deserved try by second row Holden.

Now well in the lead, Blackburn took their foot of the gas a little and their first half excursions started to take their toll. This led two thrilling break away tries for Calder Vale one of which was converted. Blackburn however fought back and strong running and determined finishing saw Samouelle get his hat trick of tries on the final whistle. The final score was 42-19 to Blackburn.

Under 12's joint managers Ciaran Marlborough and John Wainwright said: "The most pleasing aspect of the game was the teamwork put in by all the players some of whom had already guested for other squads earlier in the morning.

"The pack worked well as a unit and the backs demonstrated terrific handling skills throughout the match.

"The team should be rightly proud of their performance against Calder Vale who were undefeated this season who had won some previous matches by record margins.

"The large crowd were very appreciative if this fine display of open rugby by the youngsters from both teams."

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