TYLDESLEY RUFC enjoyed their visit to the seaside after a slender 9-6 victory virtually ensured their place in the league for next season and condemned hosts Blackpool to a end of season battle for survival.

Tyldesley started the brighter of the two sides with stand-off Mark Dickinson kicking well to the corners and the pack in uncompromising form after welcoming back Kiwi Andrew Simpson for his last game before returning home.

Following repeated infringements, the referee awarded two penalties which Dickinson slotted with ease. At the break it was the only difference between the teams as they turned around with Tyldesley 6-0 up.

The second half saw Blackpool gain the upper hand for a short time and two penalties brought the home side level.

In the final quarter, Tyldesley again took the ascendancy and good work from Shaun Pulman and Mark Swanton in the centre resulted in good field position and allowed Lee West to win a lineout on the Blackpool 22-metre line.

And, when the ball found its way to Dickinson, he slotted over a superb drop goal to give Tyldesley the lead again.

The final few minutes saw Blackpool in all out attack but excellent defence from Tyldesley snuffed out any threat and the visitors held on for a much-needed but deserved victory.

A point from their remaining two games should give Tyldesley a top half finish and bring the season to a satisfactory conclusion.

On Sunday the Lancashire Schools Cup Finals will be held at St George's Park, starting at 1.00pm.

The first of four finals sees Manchester Grammar School take on Stonyhurst College in an event which has, in recent years, boasted such young talent as current England stars Will Greenwood and Ian Balshaw.