Rochdale under 12s travelled to Blackburn on Sunday and returned home with a 22-14 victory.

On a blustery day, the visitors played with the wind at their backs in the first half and used the wide areas well.

The forwards created plenty of quick and clean ball for the backs and when fullback Nathan Flaherty hit the backline on the angle the home defence was opened up for the first Rochdale try.

Flaherty had more joy later in the half when he fielded a clearance kick from the hosts and powered in for a second, which he converted.

Rochdale added a third, number eight Adam Derbyshire picking up at the base of the scrum and outpacing the Blackburn blindside cover to score in the corner.

The lead the visitors established with the wind proved crucial, Blackburn hitting back with two close-range tries, both converted.

Rochdale’s forwards worked hard, Aaron Mullins leading from the front to create fast possession, giving wingers Mark Costello and Andrew Jenner plenty of ball, which they ran well up the channels. Derbyshire’s try added to Rochdale’s slender lead with another strong effort from the loose and it was enough to ensure victory.

Elliott Davies picked up the man-of-the-match award for his hard running and aggressive tackling, throughout the match.