A NEW-LOOK Bolton Colts went into their fixture at home to Kendal hoping to take the points after putting in some bright performances in recent weeks.

But, despite two impressive tries, they fell to a 29-10 defeat.

The opening exchanges looked promising for Bolton as they held their own under pressure and had some good possession themselves.

However, two quick tries midway through the first half gave the Cumbrian side a cushion that Bolton never seriously looked like overturning.

Despite Bolton having good possession and rucking well, the visitors took advantage of the opportunities presented to them to go in leading 24-0 at half time.

Bolton came back out from the break charged up and had the better of the play as the second half got under way.

Though Kendal went over for another try, it was matched by a fine score from lightning-quick winger Kehinde Taiwo, who ran on to an Ed Webster lay-off to power over.

Bolton’s second score soon followed and it was the best try of the match.

A textbook piece of pressure play, patient build-up through the phases, movement across the pitch, strength in the breakdown and good positioning gave prop forward Sam Hird the chance to score, which he took with glee.

Bolton can take heart the scoreline did not reflect the balance of play over the whole game and that their upward recent trajectory continues.

Soon the results should start to reflect the performances.

Bolton’s under-eights were defeated at nearby Wigan in their pre-Christmas match.

An evenly-matched encounter saw Bolton’s Oliver Wolfe, Finn Davies and Saxon Youngman cross for several tries.

Davies, Youngman and Jacob Powell were the pick of the taggers while Max Byrne had a good game in his first match for Bolton.

Freddie Forrest and Rocco Fortuna provided a number of assists for their team mates and the award winners were Holly Turner, Dylan Pennington, Ike Edwards and Davies.