BOLTON seconds gained a hard-fought victory at ever-improving BAE Warton.

The cherry and whites were boosted by the presence of veteran prop Sam Hilton and hooker Chris Cockton, who added invaluable experience and balance to a young pack and a side which has lacked consistency since the Christmas break.

Bolton started the brighter of the two as they wrestled for territory, both teams creating early chances but holding firm until Chris Turner’s penalty broke the deadlock.

The Preston side had a great five-minute spell towards the end of the first half as the visitors conceded too many penalties in their own 22, and the BAE forwards took advantage to touch down for an unconverted try before the break.

Caswell and Hugh helped Bolton’s half-backs gain the position to try and create try-scoring opportunities, but it was a BAE mistake which led to the visitors’ opening try, Hugh intercepting a pass for a clear run to the line. Turner added the extras.

Bolton’s forwards were now dominating the breakdown and set pieces, but it needed a fantastic defensive effort late on as BAE peppered their line before Stuart Evans sealed the victory when the 17-year-old sprinted 60metres for a runaway try in only his second game of senior rugby.