BOLTON RUFC ended their home campaign on a high with what coach Dave Crouch labelled their best performance of the North Lancs/Cumbria Division season.

The Cherry and Whites beat high-flying Aspatria 41-33 at Avenue Street to make it two wins in a row.

Tony McLaughlin (two), Will Bate and Ryan McClusky all chipped in as Bolton clocked up five tries to dent the play-off hopes of their visitors, while Mike Mills was in good kicking form with the boot, sending five successful penalties over the posts.

And it was a display that delighted Crouch in what was the penultimate fixture of the league season.

Crouch said: “We played fantastically well on the day against a very strong Aspatria side.

“I would go as far as to say it was our best rugby of the season.

“Ryan McClusky scored the try of the game when he caught the ball and ran 65 metres with all challengers bouncing off him as he charged to the try-line.

“It was a day when we played like we know we can, the forwards on top form.

“It has been good to get two wins against Workington and then Aspatria after three successive losses, thought I thought we played well against Carlisle despite that defeat.

“We have one more game to play on Saturday week at Hawcoat Park and hopefully we can keep the run going and end on a high with a big crowd heading up to support us.”

Crouch admits he is likely to stick with the same side that beat Aspatria and is already planning beyond that game in preparation for next season.

“It has been difficult at times this year,” the coach added.

“We have used 50 players which is a lot and had six changes each week.

“Some of our better players have been missing through injury which hasn’t helped.

“But we are already looking ahead and will recruit in summer to make sure we have a better challenge at the top next season.”