BOLTON slipped to the bottom of North Lancashire League One after a narrow defeat at home to local rivals Bury.

It was always going to be a tight match, with the conditions playing a massive part in the contest.

It was, however, the away side who seemed to adapt quicker, and they scored the opening try of the contest after 10 minutes.

A missed tackle in Bolton’s midfield allowed Bury full-back Mike Wilson to saunter in under the posts.

The home side roared straight back into the Bury half, and scored almost immediately through captain Pete Jackson, who drove over powerfully from close range.

The rest of the first half was very tentative from both sides, with the gain line rarely being crossed from either team.

A penalty each was all either side could show for their remaining first-half efforts, leaving the half-time score 8-8.

Following a flair-up just before half-time, in which most of the players on the pitch were involved, the second half had a definite edge to it.

The game seemed to be petering out into a hard-earned draw for both sides, until slow ball near Bolton’s line led to a charge down and a soft try for Bury and Ian Webb.

The conversion was successful and Bury took a seven-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

The remainder of the match saw Bolton hammer away at the Bury line, but despite two sin-bins and eight penalties against the visitors, Bolton could not find a way through.

This match seemed to sum up Bolton’s season so far. But, with half of the season to go, there are plenty of points to play for, and Bolton stand every chance of climbing the table.

Bolton under-17s stumbled to a 24-17 victory at basement side Vale of Lune.

The away side started brightly and scored a well worked try after only six minutes, after a destructive run from Alan Martin and good work from Declan Hampson, gave Rhys Pritchard the chance to score under the posts. Andy Crimmins converted, and Bolton seemed to be on the way to a comfortable victory.

However, Bolton allowed Vale a foothold in the match with a series of unforced errors leading to a sloppy push over try after 15 minutes. The conversion was successful and the scores were now level at 7-7.

The Cherry and Whites did rally, and captain Bobby Bolton scored just after the half-hour mark to restore Bolton’s lead.

Bolton gallantly tried to play some expansive rugby in the second half, despite the difficult conditions, and profited through a try from Alan Martin following a well-worked line out taken from Josh Coates.

The hosts scored their second try after an almost unchallenged 45-yard run from their second row left a trail of Bolton tacklers in his wake. The try was converted and Bolton’s lead was cut to two points at 19-17.

James Kulogowski had the last word for Bolton with a well-taken try five minutes from the end.

Bolton’s next match is at home to West Park on Sunday, kick-off at 12.30pm.