Windermere 0 Bolton 1st 31

Bolton RUFC made the journey up to Windermere, still smarting from last week’s defeat.

With a full-strength side to pick from again the side from Avenue Street started well with some great handling in the backs from Aspinall and Abbott to see Pritchard score the first of his brace under the posts, with Lovgreen converting.

James Singleton played a pivotal part in commanding work from the forwards, and it was their workrate that tired a large home pack.

Bolton played an expansive game and as always Brogan, Sutcliffe and Brodie played important work in the loose.

Joseph was secure on his return from injury and Keech was solid as ever. With the arrival of Youngman into the second row Bolton again dominated the line out. The Cumbrian whistle-blower saw several differing offences from the Bolton team in the breakdown, and Bolton had to endure much of the last quarter pinned in their 22 defending.

It was a great defensive workout and to end the game with no points conceded was a huge credit to all in the team in particular the front row of Cooper, Cockton and Hilton.

Bolton 2nds 5 Rossendale 2nds 15 Unfortunately Bolton 2nds came up against another strong team last weekend, who have been setting markers this season with big scalps and are boosted by the fact their 1st XV play in National 3 North.

Bolton again started slower than the opposition and struggled to get a grip of a game which they could have won, by giving the Rossendale too much respect.

They surrendered too many metres and in turn conceded two quick tries which eventually cost them the match.

The Bolton pack was boosted in the second half by Lloyd Green, whose strength and aggression took the sting from the Rossendale tail, and Bolton started to get a grip of the game.

After hard work from the Bolton pack the ball was spread quickly to the wing where Stuart Evans crossed the line to draw Bolton closer to causing an upset.

Unfortunately the try came too late as Rossendale held out for a hard-fought victory. It is clear that Bolton 2nds have a lot to offer in terms of playing ability underlined by their last three results against top four opposition.

Thornton Clev’s 1st 82 Bolton 3rd 5 THE thirds’ run of bad luck continued with a heavy defeat to an in-form Thornton Cleveleys side who are pushing strongly for honours this year.

Bolton’s forward play was impressive at times but Thornton’s backs ran riot through Bolton’s injury ravaged back-line to score several impressive tries.

Bolton 4th 27 Pendle 2nd 14 Bolton’s experience told over a youthful Pendle side. The Bolton scrum proved too much for Pendle as they opted for uncontested scrums after 20 minutes. This prevented Bolton winning the opposition ball to which they had become accustomed.

Three tries to man-of-the-match Banks and one each to Robinson and O’Byrne, but with ‘real’ scrums the score would have been higher.