BOLTON Mets were unexpectedly given home-field advantage for their game against Culcheth Eagles, whose ground was undergoing renovation work.

But, despite Mets being high on confidence after defeating Bury Broncos A in their last outing they fell to a 30-10 loss

After a tight opening with both defences on top, the deadlock was broken around the 25 minute mark when a neat grubber kick from the Eagles' half-back split the Mets' defence and he chased down his own kick to touch down for a converted try and a 6-0 lead.

A dreadful lapse over the next 10 minutes by the Mets allowed Culcheth to run in two further tries to extend their lead to 16-0.

Neil Walsh gave the Mets hope a few minutes before the break, barging over from two yards for a try converted by scrum-half Mark Dorning to make the half-time score 16-6.

The sides exchanged tries shortly after the restart, Mets captain Ste Hickey going over for them before the Culcheth winger dived over in the corner. Both conversions were missed, meaning the gap remained at 10 points.

It was a much-improved defensive performance from Bolton as forwards Gareth Evans, Josh Cooke and Paul Leigh were on hand to make tackle after tackle in the middle of the pitch and backs Connor Orrell, Brad Maclure and Adam Woods stood up to their task.

However, Culcheth extended their lead with two tries scored out wide to take the score to 26-10 with 15 minutes to go.

Mets refused to buckle and only a poor pass from Carl Henderson when supported by two runners and only the full-back to beat prevented them from another try.

The final try of the game went Culcheth's way as they barged over down the right side. Although the conversion bounced back off the upright the game had been won, 30-10 the final score.

The Eagles named Hickey as the opposition man-of-the-match, with the runners-up places going to Walsh and top tackler Ryan Terry and Walsh.

Bolton Mets now have a week's break before the final game of the season, at home to Rochdale Cobras on September 24.