Bolton 17 Heaton Moor 6 THE importance of this game was somehow at odds with the relaxed atmosphere and build-up prior to it.

Even late changes and the introduction of Hodgkinson and Towler did nothing to detract from the calm. The whistle, though, signalled a change in the entire Bolton side.

The frustration of recent narrow losses was cast aside and replaced by passion and aggression. The pack worked as one and Heaton Moor, clearly surprised, had no answer to the work rate and unity of the home side.

Their only response was to kick what possession they won and using their advantage of a strong wind they continually pegged Bolton back. Despite this Bolton maintained their commitment and kept working, even attempting to run from deep in their own half. Milnes, in particular, showed his strength and his break was only thwarted by the impressive Heaton Moor fullback.

For most of the game, the prevailing conditions meant that both sides were finding it hard to keep their footing. Several penalties for both sides were squandered. It was only when Heaton Moor changed their designated kicker that the deadlock was broken. Bolton were undeterred and continued to press.

The impressive referee, Mr Griffiths, ended the half and for the first time both sides were able to catch their breath.

Straight from the kick-off the Bolton play was confident as they once again pressed forward. Ironically it was Bolton's over zealous approach to the rucks and mauls that again counted against them. Another penalty was conceded and converted. The score now 0 - 6. Still Bolton were able to recognise their own dominance and they knew that victory was there for the taking.

With the wind at their backs, now was the time for that dominance to come to the fore. The ball was kept tight as repeated incursions deep into HM territory finally started to reap dividends. Penalties started to be conceded within kicking distance of the posts and Ince duly obliged, halving the deficit.

Bolton accepted this as only the start of the inevitable resurgence. Straight from the restart the pressure was re-asserted. Handling skills were paramount as the pack, with the help of strong, direct runs from the backs made inroads into the opposition.

A deftly floated kick was chased enthusiastically by winger Hackin, who collected and scored a crucial try. Ince once again kicked the extra points. Bolton led 10 - 6.

Once again from the restart, Bolton showed that there was going to be only one result from this game. As they probed the HM defence, Patton's telling tackle on the fullback signalled the start of another sustained attack.

After several phases of play, the HM defence was ragged. Scrum-half Leigh took advantage with an incisive break to score. The try was converted by the now confident Ince.

For the first time during the whole 80 minutes, Bolton relaxed. Heaton Moor rallied, but Bolton were able to rely on their impressive tackling ability to resist the belated onslaught. Bolton's resilience throughout the game was typified by captain Jackson.

Bolton had finally secured an elusive league victory, but will now turn their thoughts to next weekend's game against local rivals, Bury. All change seconds go down after a fight Bolton 2nd XI 3 Heaton Moor 8 WITH eight changes to the side from last week, Bolton 2nd's travelled away to put in a spirited performance against a well drilled Heaton Moor team.

After good pressure Bolton took the lead with a penalty from Clarke and went in 3 - 0 up at half-time.

With many players out of position, Bolton gave a good performance with Ackers, Sutcliffe and Kay all giving a good account having stepped up a level.

Phil Houston also had an outstanding game as did the centre combination of Nicol and Hulme who tackled their opposite number all day.

Despite having a strong pack Heaton Moor's backs never troubled the solid Bolton defence. Even with so many players out of position the result could still have gone Bolton's way, but for a late try scored by Heaton Moor. Youngsters on song BOLTON'S revitalised Under 16's travelled to a wet Manor Park last Sunday to face a physical Oldham side and won 15-10.

Oldham's greater strength gave them the breakthrough early on, when loose Bolton tackling let them through in the right corner. From the restart Bolton's superior handling showed and when Craig Battersby scored a breakaway try soon after, Bolton looked to be in the ascendancy.

In the second half, Bolton looked to build on their progress towards the end of the first period, but a lack of discipline let Oldham in again. The score was now 5-10 to Oldham, but Bolton continued to attack the Oldham line and when Battersby went in at the corner for his second try, Bolton looked home and dry. To round off an outstanding second half performance, man-of-the-match, Gary Valentine finished off a superb midfield move to score under the posts to leave Bolton victors at 15-10.