BLACKBURN’S director of rugby Dino Radice says his side are a ‘dangerous proposition’ in the battle to finish in the top two in North One West.

The Ramsgreave Drive club are enjoying the most successful season in their history and are currently riding high in fourth place on the back of just one defeat in their last 13 matches.

But while Blackburn are within touching distance of a second spot that would earn a place in the end of season play-offs, Radice says his side are under no pressure - and that makes them a team to fear.

“We have had an incredible season so far and to get in the play-offs would be superb,” said the director of rugby

“But for us, a top two finish would be nothing more than a bonus and that makes us a dangerous proposition.

“There is absolutely no pressure on us to finish up there while there are other teams in this division desperate to get out of it and that brings a new kind of pressure.

“We will just go about doing what we are doing and see what happens.

“Don’t get me wrong, we would love to get promoted, whether it is this season or next season, but we are more relaxed about things.”

Blackburn, who were not in action at the weekend, slipped to fourth in the table behind Vale of Lune, Firwood Waterloo and Northwich.

But they are just five points (the equivalent of a bonus point win) behind Waterloo in second place and have a game in hand.

Blackburn still have to play the top two in their remaining eight games so whether they claim a top two place or not, Radice’s side will still have a major influence on the promotion race.

“Vale of Lune lost against Rochdale, who are one off the bottom of the table, at the weekend so I don’t know what has happened there. It just goes to show what pressure can do to you,” added Radice.

“We have some very tough matches to play and we know what to expect from the likes of Vale and Waterloo so we will just have to wait and see what happens.”

But Radice is not getting too carried away about what may happen at the end of season.

Blackburn host a rejuvenated Manchester side this weekend and says his side will have to be on top form to end that run.

“We beat Douglas in our last match and I expected more from them,” said Radice of the Isle of Man outfit who are one place and three points behind them. “I think Manchester will give us a lot more of a test on Saturday.”

Radice paid tribute to his fellow coaches Tom Lavelle and Phil Baines as well as his players who have bought in to what they are doing.

“Tom and Phil have been superb,” added the head coach. “All the players are willing to listen and are willing to learn and they are a great bunch of lads.

“I said at the halfway stage of the season I didn’t want them to take their foot of the pedal and they haven’t and that is why we are where we are now.”