BOLTON RUFC lost narrowly to Tarleton for the second time this season in North Two West, going down 26-20 at Avenue Street.

In a topsy-turvy clash against well-organised opposition, the lead changed hands four times in the final 10 minutes of what turned out to be a thriller.

From the start, Tarleton took control with confident tackling and exciting handling which left the Bolton team wondering where the first 15 minutes had disappeared to and trailing.

Two penalties and a converted try saw the visitors 13 points ahead with Elliott Newsome running the full length of the pitch to score a magnificent interception try.

Bolton started their fightback with a try from winger Simon Steel following a dazzling run and offload from Bolton’s second-row Miracle Gospel.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and territory and a Jack Robinson penalty just before half time reduced the arrears to 13-10 going into the interval.

The second half saw both teams fighting hard to take control of the game.

Bolton took the lead with a try from Robinson, who also landed the conversion to take the score to 17-13.

Less than 10 minutes later, though, Tarleton’s Simon Mallinson converted a penalty bringing the score virtually level at 17-16.

Hard slog, sterling defence and some excellent passing from both teams saw play level out.

However, a resilient Tarleton started to make their way forward and yet another Bolton penalty conceded under intense pressure was converted by Mallinson to make it 19-17 to the visitors.

The Bolton team were not disheartened and with just four minutes of the game to go, 18-year-old debutant, Ben Price, converted a penalty to edge them ahead 20-19.

The lead had changed hands yet again and Bolton could see the finishing line, with victory within their grasp.

With just seconds of a pulsating, end-to-end game remaining, Tarleton fought their way to the Bolton line and despite some valiant defending, the visitors’ Hugo Castle crossed the line for the winning try.

Star of the match, Mallinson, was successful with the boot yet again to finish the scoring and the referee blew for the end of a pulsating game of rugby union.

The next match at Avenue Street is on Saturday, February 12 when Bolton will be looking to defeat high-flying Winnington Park for the second time this season.

The game will kick off at 2.15pm and for more information visit the club’s website at boltonrugby.co.uk.

Before that, this Saturday second-bottom Bolton visit the side below them, De La Salle (Salford).