CHRIS Cockton insists every game is more important than the last as Bolton bid for a play-off spot in the North Lancs/Cumbria League.

The Cherry and Whites pulled off a bonus-point win on their last away game of the season, at mid-table Upper Eden on Saturday, winning 31-16. The result means that if they win their last three, they have a good chance of a play-off spot.

Bolton were ahead early on, as fly-half Mike Mills slotted a penalty after just three minutes and shortly after Mills fed Will Bate to go over for the first try of the afternoon.

Discipline will be key in the final three games, and it was letting Bolton down in the first half, as Upper Eden were allowed to kick three penalties that made the interval score 10-9.

Shortly after half time, the hosts took the lead for the first time, through a driving maul, which ended with a controversially awarded try.

But this proved to be Upper Eden’s last contribution to the scoreboard as Bolton began to move through the gears, starting with a try by Simon Frost.

Mills then went over, spotting a gap in the defence and darting over the line before the scoring was completed by Jack Robinson, who collected a loose kick and embarked on a 40m dash to the line to ensure a maximum five points.

With St Benedict's travelling to Avenue Street on Saturday, the Bolton captain believes every game from now under the end of the season is more imperative than the last.

“It was a really important win, a vital win given the results around us and great that we could pick up the bonus point as well," said Cockton.

“We weren’t quiet with what our aims were this season, we wanted to win the league, but we’ve accepted that’s now out of our reach.

“But as we get towards the end of the season, you always want to finish on a high and of course our new goal is to finish second and get into that play-off place.

“So every game is getting bigger, Saturday in particular with the opposition that we’ve got, so it’s important that we go into it with the right mindset and get the points.”

St Benedict's could have – and may yet – run away with the league this season, as they're just three points behind current leaders Aspatria, who have played four more games. They have tasted defeat just once this season and Cockton knows how difficult the task will be.

“They’re a very well organised team, they’ve lost one game all season, a shock defeat at Oldham," he added.

“But they’re strong, fit and they get around the park so we’re going to have to contain them, but I think it’s just important that we play our game plan as much as we can and work hard.”