BOLTON Rugby Union Club coach Dave Crouch says his players are relishing Saturday’s crunch clash against rival De La Salle and the chance to turn the screw at the top of the North Lancs/Cumbria division.

Fourth-placed Bolton host third-placed De La Salle looking to extend a winning league run to six games after back-to-back victories on the road at Fleetwood and last weekend at Upper Eden.

And with matches between the two teams always close, Crouch says the confidence his side has going into the Avenue Street clash is important.

Crouch told The Bolton News: “They are always close games traditionally and there is rivalry between the two sets of supporters.

“They are just above us in third so we know it will be a hard game but the lads were good in training on Tuesday and are up for the challenge of extending our league run.

“We are in good form, particularly at home where we are unbeaten this season so far.

“If we play to our capabilities, we can cause them problems.”

Saturday’s victory at struggling Upper Eden may have been expected considering the contrasting form of the two teams this season.

But it was a much-changed Bolton due to several absences.

Nevertheless, the Cherry and Whites still came out on top 22-15 thanks to tries from Alex Waddicar (two) and Louis Lockett and two successful conversions and a penalty from the boot of kicker Mark Doherty.

It means the gap to leaders Carlisle is now seven points and Crouch’s men have a game in hand.

He said: “It was a good win last week considering the enforced changes we had to make.

“Upper Eden were difficult to break down but we scored a couple of good tries and those players who came in stepped up to the mark well.

“There is not much in it at the top and a win against De La Salle may tighten things up even more.

“The top teams still have tough games ahead and if we keep winning and get a bonus-point in out game in hand, we could go top.

“That is our aim – to keep taking each game as it comes and trying to win each one.”

A plus point for Crouch ahead of Saturday’s game is the return of those absentees from last weekend with the coach admitting he has a full-strength squad to pick from.