BOLTON RUFC captain Chris Cockton was brimming with pride after the team secured a second successive promotion with the last play of their game against Northwich yesterday.

Rick Newman’s last-gasp try in the Avenue Street play-off snatched victory for the Cherry and Whites and with it a place in North One West next season.

And Cockton said it was a fitting end to another stunning season which sees the side leave the North Lancs and Cumbria division behind after just one season.

The skipper told The Bolton News: “It has been an incredible season and what a way to end it.

“We started looking to consolidate after promotion last year but we have done better than we imagined.

“And Saturday’s win capped the lot against a good Northwich side.

“It was emotional at the end if I am honest. I was the last one in the changing room afterwards because so many people wanted to congratulate us.

“It has not really quite sunk in yet but what an achievement.”

The Cherry and Whites started brightly at Avenue Street surging into a 14-0 lead thanks to tries from Rick Newman and Ash Cooper.

But the visitors fought back with a penalty and an unconverted try before taking the lead 15-14.

Another penalty made it 18-14 and it looked like the dream was over for Bolton.

But, with the very last play, Newman crossed in the corner and Mark Doherty kicked his third conversion to make the final score 21-18.

And Cockton felt his team deserved the victory.

He added: “They gave us a really good game but we were very strong in defence.

“We gifted them two tries with interceptions but we kept going.

“It may be a bit of a wake-up call for us going into next season but for now we are just enjoying the moment.”