BOLTON produced their best performance in years to beat Aldwinians 31-7 in the first round of the Lancashire Trophy. Aldwinians are currently unbeaten at the top of North West One, some four divisions above Bolton. However, this failed to deter a very committed Bolton squad.

The home side had a setback in the warm up when second row Jackson pulled out with a back injury, Dominic Holden coming off the bench to take his place.

Bolton made their intentions clear straight from the kick off when Hackin put an almighty tackle in on the Aldwinians player receiving the ball, and from the turnover Bolton had a good spell of pressure resulting in a penalty out wide, which they elected to run and Hackin finished of a well rehearsed move to crash over under the posts. Holmes added the extra two points. Bolton went further ahead when Marriott timed his pass to perfection to put Sugden in who ran 60 yards to score. Holmes again converted the points.

Aldwinians got back in the game with a penalty try but Bolton rallied and were also awarded a penalty try, Holmes once more collecting two more points.

Bolton pressure soon after the break led to a penalty, Holmes opting to kick the three points and stretch the lead beyond two full scores.

Injuries to Holden and Hackin who both needed hospital treatment and to winger Hughes, failed to unsettle Bolton as replacements Hunter, Killiner and Edwards had fine matches. Bolton sealed the victory when Marriott intercepted the ball and raced from his own half to score, Holmes finished off with another two points to mark a good day with the boot.

Bolton return to league action on Saturday with a visit to local rivals Chorley.

Old Boltonians visited the club on Boxing Day for the annual fixture and again the youngsters took the honours with a 29-5 victory. Bolton struggled with the pace of the visitors and Barkatali (2), Hunter, Hilton, and Barnes, all scored with O'Kane kicking two conversions. Guest scrum half A. Lee capped a fine performance to score Bolton's only try.

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