Unbeaten league leaders Moss Bank Bulldogs were on the scoresheet with their first attack and, within five minutes, were 12 points up.

The Mets pulled one back with stand-off Darryl Leach touching down after some brilliant ball handling from centre Dave Bruin.

The Mets were totally outclassed in the first half, and the St Helens outfit ran in two more tries before the break.

A more settled Bolton Mets in the second half stuck to their guns, putting the Bulldogs under pressure.

Winger Mark Hart and new recruit Louis Taylor both ran the ball in strongly.

The Mets’ tackling was faultless, the tackle count being led by second rower Jon Atherton.

Bolton hooker Paul Wilcox scored the Mets’ second try, charging in from 20m out to touch down in the corner.

After all the hard work the Mets’ passing let them down, giving away too much possession.

The Bulldogs took advantage of Bolton’s sloppy handling and ran in three more tries in the final quarter.

After the game Mets coach Chris Brown said: “This was our worst defeat all season, and yet we played our best rugby for several weeks.

“The Bulldogs will win this division easily, and yet we contained them most of the game. Silly mistakes and unforced errors let us down.”

This weekend the Mets take part in the first round of the North West Counties Cup at home to Wigan Keepers, 2pm kick-off.