BOLTON chalked up four first-half tries to set up their fifth victory of the league season, beating hosts Tarleton 27-7 to sit handily placed in third spot in Lancashire Cheshire Division One.

The Cherry and Whites were asked to play with the swirling wind at their backs in the first half after losing the coin toss.

But with scrum-half Will Bate and wingers Jonny Stanfield and Joe Speakman all touching down before the break – and a penalty try awarded for a foul on Speakman as he homed in on the line – the visitors turned around 22-0 to the good.

Tarleton had the wind with them in the second 40 minutes but Bolton defended well to ensure they only conceded one try, and centre Alex Waddicor touched down right at the end for Bolton’s fifth try to make the final score 27-7.

They have collected their four-try bonus point in each of their five wins this campaign but director of rugby Dave Crouch is calling for his players to be even more ruthless in the matches to come.

“We played the conditions really well and played some good rugby at times, which wasn’t easy in that wind and rain,” he said. “We tackled well, certainly in the first half, though we maybe gave them a bit too much room.

“We couldn’t control much in the second half going into that wind, they kicked well with it to put us under pressure and that led to three missed tackles that let them in for their try.

“We are playing good stuff and running in some very good tries, I would just like to see us be a bit more clinical, even though we are picking up the bonus points.”

In a sport in which injuries are commonplace, Bolton are fortunate their only long-term absentee is Chris Brownlow, who has an elbow ligament problem. And Crouch is happy with his charges’ ability to fill the gaps that do occasionally appear in the starting XV.

Captain Rhys Pritchard was employed at full-back while the Cherry and Whites’ embarrassment of riches is no more prevalent than in the centres, with up to half-a-dozen players who are comfortable at 12 or 13 in the team.

“We had six centres with us on Saturday so when we have to make changes we don’t feel the side is significantly weakened,” added Crouch, whose side welcome Altrincham Kersal to Avenue Street for a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday, one the coach says could be ‘winner-take-all’, even at this early stage of the season.

“Although Chris Cockton was man of the match Rhys was excellent too, he’s really maturing, he has been since he was made captain at the start of last season.

“His pass for Joe’s try was awesome, had he not managed to get it out to him immediately that try wasn’t on. I think he’s consistent as well, which is important.

“He’s matured and his selection for Lancashire Royals last year was another boost.”