Crosfields 20 Bolton Mets 4 BOLTON Mets ARLFC travelled away on Saturday to Crosfields of Warrington.

Not having played for four weeks, the Mets started the game at break-neck pace, putting Crosfields under pressure straight from the off.

Good early drives from stand-off Andrew Charky and loose forward Darryl Leech, back after a long lay-off through injuries, put the Mets well in control.

Failed

However, they failed to capitalise on their early advantage. A missed penalty kick and two touch-downs, both disallowed, cost the Mets dearly. The first from Colin Crompton, after a fine run from centre Chris Brown, the other from winger Gaz Hamer touching down in the corner, after a well worked team move.

Against the run of play the Warrington side scored and converted, giving them a six point lead. Bolton still continued to apply pressure, strong tackling from scrum half Robert Bailey, another player back from injury, backed up by a darting run from centre Nail Walsh, saw Charky dive through a packed defence to make the score 6-4 at the break.

The second half started more evenly, but the Mets forwards just has the edge, props Steven Dorning and Adam Lappin putting in some big hits. As the game entered into the last 30 minutes everything seemed to go wrong. A lapse of concentration, and the Mets defensive line opened up and allowed Crosfields scrum half to score what looked like an easy try. Five minutes later he left Bolton's defence flat footed again to score under the sticks. Adding to the Mets woe, second rower Mick Booth, who had had a faultless game, left the field with a broken nose.

Bolton had some late runs into Warrington's danger zone, but these came to no avail. The Warrington side ran in a late try giving them a 20-4 victory.

Next week Bolton are at home to Leigh East A (weather and pitch permitting), meeting at Withins Sports Centre at 12.30pm.