BOLTON RUFC coach Dave Crouch says payback is in the minds of his players as they prepare to host Wigton in the North Lancs/Cumbria Division on Saturday.

The Cherry and Whites return to action after a two-week break against the Cumbrians at Avenue Street, kick off 3pm, and they are gunning for a revenge after suffering a thumping 64-0 loss in the reverse fixture in January.

After a long trip to the fringes of the Lake District, an understrength Bolton were swept aside by a home side whose record at their Lowmoor Road base is comparable to Crouch’s side's home form with eight wins and just two defeats from 10 league outings.

But back in Lancashire, the Bolton coach is confident they can redress the balance and says his players are keen to set the record straight after a first loss to Wigton for some time.

Crouch told The Bolton News: “That was the first time in three years Wigton had beaten us and we want to redress the balance this weekend.

“It was our heaviest defeat for a long time on a day we just didn’t get started at all.

“The long trip to Cumbria didn’t help and we had a few injuries which hampered us on a day when they put out their strongest side.

“It was not long ago and still fresh in the players’ minds so they all want to make amends and are up for the game on Saturday.

“It’s payback time if you like for us and, like Wigton, our home form is good so hopefully we can do just that.”

Bolton go into the game with injuries to key personnel like vice-captain Louis Critchlow (appendix) and Jonny Stanfield (knee).

And James Singleton is also unavailable as he concentrates on preparations for this summer’s Ironman UK in Bolton.

But the absences open the door for others to grasp an opportunity and Crouch says the players have looked hungry in training this week after their break.

He added: “The break arguably came at the wrong time after our win against Aldwinians as you always want to carry on the momentum.

“Then we were unable to train last week with the stormy weather.

“The lads put in a good session on Tuesday though and everyone is eager to get back out there – especially after that result in Wigton.

“Their away form is in stark contrast to their home form but the travelling plays a part as we have found out this season.

“An away trip to Cumbria could see a 9am start and then not back till late on Saturday night and it will be the same for those [Cumbrian] teams travelling to Lancashire.

“Hopefully we can make home advantage count and get the ball to our forwards on Saturday and get the win.”