Match report: Blackpool RUFC 52 Burnley Thirds 19

Blackpool RU continued their winning start to the season as they came from behind to record a convincing 52-19 victory over Burnley 3.

Blackpool showed their strength in depth, with two debutants on show and others making their first appearance of the season.

Kyle Bedford’s offload sent centre Jamie Robertson over for the opening try.

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But too often in the first half, Burnley were gifted good field position and their pressure resulted in their first try, despite some good scrambling defence from Andy Morgan and Pete Ward.

Blackpool stretched their lead to 14-5 when Dean Finegan smashed his way over on a rampaging run but Burnley hit back with a close-range try.

It remained 14-12 at the interval after Blackpool wasted a host of chances.

Burnley took the lead with the first try of the second half, though this was shortlived as Robertson finished a good passing move with his second try, converting himself.

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Blackpool seemed to have woken from their slumber and strong carries from Tristan Ainscough, Rob Dixon and Luke Crosbie carried them upfield.

The hosts soon scored again when second row Bedford powered through from halfway for a superb solo try in the corner.

Fly-half Antony Clark thenn dummied over from a quick tap penalty.

Centre Paul Vuti was pulled down just short after a fine break from deep in his own half but the ball was recycled for Carl Reynolds to dive over in the corner.

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Vuti then dragged in the defence to send winger Ashley Swarbrick in for a try out wide.

There was time for one more try as Bedford burst through the heart of the Burnley defence to send the supporting Reynolds under the posts for his second try.

Robertson added his sixth conversion for a total haul of 22 points and the man of the match award.

Although not at their best by any stretch, Blackpool will be pleased with their second half performance and with victory over a tough, spirited Burnley outfit who battled all day long.

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Blackpool will be hoping for a improved performance and another win when they play host to Colne & Nelson next Saturday.

This was the third successive victory for a side which managed only one all last season.

Blackpool: Hicks, Harrison, Finegan, Charnock, Bedford, Wilkinson, Sutcliffe, Tucker, Reynolds, Clark, Ward, Robertson, Vuti, Morgan, Swarbrick;

Replacements: Dixon, Crosbie, Aincough, Shelton, Donald, Thornton, Veritas, Woodward.

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