BOLTON'S under-15s had fun in the sunshine as they began the season with a 34-24 Lancashire Challenge win against Blackburn.

Keen to avenge the defeat from last season, Blackburn were first out of the blocks and put the Cherry and Whites under pressure, only some last- ditch tackles from Kieran Henninghan and Matthew Barlow keeping them at bay.

With no joy out wide Burn resorted to route one and Bolton again required big hits from Luke Bagnall, Bailey Howlin and Ed Webster but the constant blue wave eventually led to a score.

At the restart Bolton got deep into the Blackburn 22 following a fantastic chase by Kynan Smith and as Jack Phillips and Tom Didlock tried to force a turnover from the ruck, a penalty was given. Quick thinking by scrum-half Sam Howie drew in the winger and allowed him to pop a pass to Addison Kennedy to cross for the first Bolton score.

But after Blackburn regained the lead almost straight away, captain Marcus Crompton, Ibrahim Dipoti and Myles Crook drove forward and created quick ball for stand-off Robert Harris. After Kennedy was stopped short of the line, Howie floated a pass to Harry Moxham on the blind side to cross and make the score 10-10 at half time.

Bolton went ahead for the first time early in the second half, Owen Critchlow scoring a great individual try. And with the Bolton forwards now getting on top, Critchlow touched down for a second time, Howie converting to put Bolton 22-10 ahead.

Burn's strong pack exerted some pressure but when their speedy winger broke through three tackles only a superb tackle by the last man, full-back Josh Parry, saved the day.

A penalty against Bolton did lead to Blackburn scoring under the posts but Kennedy and Howie each scored tries to make the game safe.

There was still time for a final siege by Blackburn but Luke Bagnall, Crompton, Moxham and Parry led a fine defensive effort as Bolton ended 34-24 winners.