RUGBY LEAGUE: Bolton Mets won the bragging rights in the first open age local derby with their Westhoughton rivals, scoring five tries to move into second place in Division Five of the North West Counties League.

The New House Farm pitch withstood the poor weather leading up to the much-anticipated fixture and the scoreboard was blank for the first 20 minutes as both sides tackled hard in defence.

It took hooker Darryl Leech to spot a gap in the defensive line and dive over to break the deadlock for the home side.

Pierce Sherrington, playing his first game of the season, converted the try to add the extra two points.

With Bolton looking to kick on, some good hands saw centre Neil Walsh put through but, with a player outside him, he lost his footing and bombed a certain try.

This boosted Westhoughton and, with several penalties helping them progress down field, they capitalised on a two-man overlap to score out wide to bring them back to within two points.

The Mets started to chance their arm with some wide plays. Full-back Sherrington ran on to a short pass from Andrew Jolly who raced in from 40 metres to score their second try.

A scuffle saw Richard Smalley sin-binned along with a Lions player for the final 10 minutes of the first half which finished with the Mets 10-4 in front.

Bolton made a few changes at half time and when Neil Walsh movedto hooker, he crossed the line to extend the home side’s lead.

Leech was switched to scrum-half and it also reaped dividends when his a well-measured kick enabled Michael Horrobin to outpace his opposite number to touch down for Bolton. Jolly converted to take the score to 22-4.

Westhoughton Lions had a few chances to get themselves back into the game, but strong defence and hard tackles, particularly from Nathan Kennedy, Louis Taylor and Chris Lane kept them out.

The final try from Bolton was the best move of the day.

The Mets showed their excellent handling skills with Mark Dorning running at the line, passed to Adam Ryan who then played in winger Paul Harrison who finished in the corner. The conversion was missed.

Bolton Mets are at home next week to Irlam Hornets in the second round of the NWC Bowl. Kick off is 2pm at New House Farm.