MAN of the match Stephen Taylor scored two tries as Bolton Mets got their North West Men's League Division Three campaign off to a winning start.

Mets beat Fitton Hill Bulldogs 28-24 to register their first win on home soil since 2013 after failing to register a single triumph at Avenue Street last season.

But it was the visitors from Oldham who started strongest, their big forward barging over the try-line just seven minutes in, and a successful conversion put them 6-0 ahead.

It did not take long for the hosts to respond, though, with Ken Sackfield crashing his way through the Fitton defensive line to score two minutes later and he converted his own try to level it at 6-6.

Tough tackling from Dale Forrest, Taylor and Sackfield kept Fitton at bay during a tight period before Mets edged ahead on 25 minutes.

It was Taylor who was provider when a short pass fed centre Paul Leigh and he crossed to make it 10-6.

Three minutes later, Ste Hickey went over to notch his first try since returning to the Mets and soon after Neil Walsh added a fourth from his trademark close range to extend the lead to 18-6.

Just before half time, Fitton clawed their way back into the game with a converted try after a chip-and-run to the posts to make the scoreline 18-12 in favour of the hosts at the interval.

After the break, the Bulldogs again struck early pouncing on a loose ball before scoring another converted try to tie the scores at 18-18.

The character of the Mets players shone through after that as they camped on the Fitton try line.

And Taylor crossed from close range for his first score on 55 minutes.

Fitton were not about to lie down and they hit back nine minutes later out wide with a successful conversion putting them 24-22 in front in what was turning out to be another close game between the sides.

But, with four minutes to go, top tackler Forrest – playing in an unfamiliar role of stand-off – supplied an inside pass to Taylor who crashed through two challenges to cross the whitewash.

Sackfield rediscovered his kicking boots to send the conversion between the sticks to seal victory despite a late chance for Fitton who were denied superbly by covering full-back Michael Hargreaves.

Mets travel to Pilkington Recs A on Saturday.