BOLTON are just four points off top spot in North Lancs/Cumbria League after winning their seventh game in a row.

A 7-3 home victory over a Keswick side who had only lost two of 15 previous games in the league this season was another sign the Avenue Street men mean business in this season’s promotion race.

Bolton broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when their bright start was rewarded with a try.

Andy Wood broke and passed to Alex Waddicar who moved the ball on to Rhys Pritchard. The captain beat his man on the outside and drew the full-back before passing inside for Waddicar to score. Louis Lockett added the conversion.

Bolton’s defence continued to dominate after the break and a frustrated Keswick could only reply with a converted penalty in the 48th minute.

“It was not a high-scoring game but it was quite thrilling, in a way,” said Bolton head coach Dave Crouch, who has now overseen a run of seven straight wins for the Cherry and Whites. “Our defence was awesome and we gave them no room to work in.

“They are a good side, there’s no doubt about that, but we forced their back row into turning back and tackled hard.

“We took our chance when it came and I was really pleased, as the players were too. The win definitely came down to teamwork and hard work, getting up to tackle ahead of the gain line and limiting their openings.

“Our man of the match was one of our ‘old warriors’, Mark Chappelhow. He led the pack well from the second row, he was excellent. I think he’s hoping this will be his last season, because he’s about 37 or 38, but if he carries on like that we might not let him stop.”

Bolton continue their late bid for promotion on Saturday against bottom side Burnley, a team with just two wins to their name, one of which came at Bolton’s expense when they were 27-22 winners in October.

“It’s another home game and one we’ll go into with confidence,” added Crouch. “We do have some payback to do this week and as long as we go into it with the right attitude we feel we can make it eight in a row.”

Kick off at Avenue Street is 2.15pm.