BOLTON succumbed to a disappointing defeat in their final league game of the season at Ashton.

Bolton finished seventh in North Lancs Division One, which represents progress from last year, but was disappointing after a strong start to the season.

The Lancashire Plate is Bolton's final chance of success this season, with the quarter final due to be played on Saturday at home to Bay Horse.

The Cherry and Whites began positively against a determined Ashton, and deservedly took the lead within 15 minutes with winger Alex Sugden finishing well in the corner. The conversion was missed, but Bolton were good value for their early lead.

This early success, however, seemed to spur on the home side who scored two tries against the run of play before half time. Mike Singleton kicked a penalty to bring the scores closer, and it was 12-8 to Ashton at half time.

Bolton's second-half performance was poor, which could be partially attributed to the strong winds. But a combination of poor organisation and weak tackling allowed Ashton to extend their lead, and ultimately achieve an easy victory.

If Bolton could have taken their chances in the match, it might have been a different story. Their best two chances came either side of half time with the Bolton pack pummelling the Ashton line on both occasions, only to see their efforts either held up over the line, or defiantly stopped by a strong defence.

Bolton now look forward to a winning cup campaign.

The second team beat Ruskin Park 30-0 and will finish fourth in the league if they better Sedgley Park's result this weekend.

They face Vale of Lune at Avenue Street in good form after Cooper scored a brace of tries.

The thirds lost 19-10 at Tarleton while the fourths were also on the wrong end of a 39-0 thumping at home to Fylde.

Bolton's senior vets beat Bratislava 50-17 on their tour of Slovakia, with Danny Joseph scoring two tries.