BOLTON Mets are as keen as ever to keep the senior rugby league heart beating in the centre of the town despite what they describe as their toughest year ever.

The club has been in existence for 21 years and had to dig deep into their resources of loyalty and resilience during a season in which they won only one match in the North West Men’s League Division Four.

Next up for the team is a tour to Hungary later this month with a game against a Budapest select team after which they will begin preparations for next season.

Club secretary Stuart Cooke said: “It goes without saying that the 2016 season has been tough, possibly the toughest in our 21-year history, but we got through it with grit and determination.

“Once we return from Budapest it will be time for us to have a rest and take stock. Once we’re fully charged we will bounce right back and commence pre-season training.

“The coach and the players are all keen to improve the results and league position next year which gives us something to look forward to.”

The Mets gave senior competitive rugby league a presence in Bolton when they formed. They have since been joined by Westhoughton Lions who set up an open-age team a few years ago and played in the same division as the Mets and fellow local side Little Hulton Reds last season.

Mets’ struggles last season were in part due to losing several experienced players to retirement or other clubs.

The club had a total of 62 players turn out for them in all competitions with 27 making their debuts.

The club held their awards for the season with the following winning the main prizes.

Opposition’s player of the season: Ste Hickey.

Top try scorer: Neil Walsh (seven).

Most improved player: Andy Platt.

Club player of the season: Josh Cooke.

Players’ player of the season: Ste Hickey.