METS made a promising start and led at half time but, ultimately, struggled to contain an in-form Higginshaw side.

Full-back Joe Harte opened the scoring for Bolton after some powerful driving from second rower Ralph Sherrington.

The home side pulled one back, then centre Pierce Sherrington ran onto a short ball from scrum-half Anthony Murray to put Mets back in front.

Higginshaw once again took the lead capitalising on the Bolton side’s inability to keep hold of the ball, but, just before the break prop Gary Hill charged over to give the mets a 14-12 lead at half time.

The second half could have gone either way, with the Mets tackling on form. Captain Mark Dorning led by example with stand-off Darryl Leach and prop Ryan Terry putting in some big hits.

However, they struggled with the high ball and took the wrong option in the conditions of trying to force the pass too often.

Higginshaw ran in two more tries but were flattered by the final score.

Mets coach Chris Brown said: “It’s a long time since we lost three in a row. After working hard we gave up the ball too easily. ”

Next week the Mets are at home to Moss Bank Bulldogs from St Helens, kick-off 2pm at New House Farm.