Bolton 1st 7 Old Bedians 3

BOLTON won this scrappy match without ever really getting out of first gear against Old Bedians.

The home side spent most of the match camped deep down in opposition territory, but couldn't quite turn the territory into points.

Bedians were first to get points on the board with an early penalty for offside at a ruck. However, Bolton were quick to respond with a well taken try by Paul Sutcliffe, after a good offload in the tackle from skipper James Brodie. Fly half, Rory Murray added the extras, which was to be his only successful conversion of the afternoon.

The remainder of the match was frustrating, with the red and whites winning plenty of ball, yet good defence from the visitors and the poor handling conditions meant that the backs couldn't find any rhythm.

Bolton travel to Littleborough in two week's time.

Preston Grasshoppers 10 Bolton 2nd 14

BOLTON'S seconds put in a fine performance to secure a narrow victory over Lancashire rivals Preston.

Bolton went into the lead when Ryan crashed over the line. Paul missed the difficult conversion, 5-0.

Stalwart defending all round from Bolton, in particular from winger Will Swift, was simply not enough to prevent Hoppers crossing to equalise. The conversion was missed.

Again Hoppers entrenched themselves in the beleaguered Bolton's half, and finally managed to work the overlap and defeat Bolton's defence once again.

With the wind now in their favour, Bolton looked to let the kicking of Stuart Paul dig them out of trouble when required.

Three excellent penalties from Paul gave Bolton a narrow lead, which a score from the opposition could easily destroy.

It was, therefore, the reliable strong tackling that has been a hallmark of recent matches to which Bolton looked to hold off the ever dangerous Hoppers from ruining Bolton's day.

This weekend, Bolton travel to face Fleetwood.

Wigan 3rd 17 Bolton 3rd 0

ANOTHER close performance between the local neighbours ended up in a loss as Bolton 3rd's finishing failed to make the score as close as it should have been.