BOLTON Mets slumped to a fifth successive defeat in North West Men's League Division Three, going down 46-0 at home to Blackpool Scorpions last Saturday.

Since winning the season opener against Fitton Hill, Mets have struggled to make an impact in the league as a number of new players settle into the squad.

Against the second-placed Scorpions, Mets found it tough from the start as some poor defending allowed the visitors to take charge.

There were some good attacking moves from the hosts but a number of players are new to the game and it disrupted their structure.

It allowed Blackpool to rack up 46 unanswered points at Avenue Street.

There were, however, plus points for Mets – particularly an impressive debut by Keith Stanley who ended up as their top tackler.

Stanley is a former Mets junior but had not picked up a rugby ball in 15 years prior to his appearance at the weekend.

There were also positive individual displays, most notably from man of the match Joe Harte with Neil Walsh and Chris English also performing well.

Club coaches are naturally disappointed with the losing run but maintain the influx of new blood means the emphasis is on performances rather than results at present.

And they hope to see progress each weekend as they look to move up from second-bottom place.

Mets face another tough prospect this weekend as they look to end the run of five defeats at third-placed Leigh East A on Saturday.

In Division Four, Westhoughton Lions return to action after a two-week break with a home fixture against Cadishead Rhinos.