COACH Steve Dorrington rated the latest New Brighton performance the worst of the season in a shock reverse at lowly Blackburn in North One West.

It finished 24-21 to the hosts but only a second win means they have no hope of avoiding the drop.

This was a game the Blues should have taken in their stride but they made too many errors and failed to capitalise on a number of scoring opportunities.

In the end, they had to settle for tries via Paul Lewis, Simione Mafi and Kati Tuipulotu plus the three conversions by Luke Thompson.

A broken cheek bone sustained by lock Keith Mahon made it a day to forget although New Brighton labelled Blackburn the most hospitable club in the division.

Kieran Hibbs took the man of the match award for the Blues who will expect a lot more when Broughton Park come to Hartsfield this Saturday.

CHESTER returned to winning ways in NationalThree North with a 27-18 finish against Penrith.

It was a first reverse in 10 outings for the Cumbrian outfit in what turned out to be a close contest.

Lock forward Gareth Sanger made his last appearance for the Hare Lane side.

He was handed the captaincy for the occasion and gave his usual whole-hearted display before making way for newcomer Mark Vaughan during the second-half.

Marcus Lyon, Sean Green and Ross White crossed the whitewash for Chester and Rhys Hayes booted over three conversions plus a brace of penalties.

Next up for Chester is a trip to Rochdale this Saturday as the end of season run-in begins.