BOLTON romped to a 17-0 victory over Hawcoat Park, which never looked in doubt.

Avenue Street has turned into something of a fortress this season, and Bolton were in no mood to let the Barrow visitors change that.

The victory moved the local lads up to fifth in the North Lancashire League Division One, two points and two places higher than their opponents.

Bolton started strongly in front of a crowd which has increased in numbers recently.

The back row of Cooper, Brogan and Youngman smashed holes in the Hawcoat Park lines at every opportunity.

The returning Brodie slotted in at second row, replacing the absent Earle, and immediately both him and Stryker took advantage of the increased athletic ability in the line out, imperiously claiming both their own ball and their opponents’.

Good quick ball was spun to the back line on numerous occasions allowing Aspinall, Keech and Pritchard to find space which led to a number of agonisingly close opportunities.

However, Bolton failed to capitalise and had to be content with a penalty calmly slotted by Guy Lovgreen from the initial exchanges.

Although Hawcoat remained competitive across all areas of the pitch they rarely found any space and were continually denied any foothold in the Bolton red zone.

Bolton then decided that it was time to take control of the game and after a number of intense rucks, good continuity allowed the Bolton backs to find some space and the move of the match was finished off by Rhys Pritchard skipping outside the last defender to cross the line.

Lovgreen again converted with confidence to give Bolton a 10-0 lead going into the second half.

At the start of the second period, some stunning handling from the back line was followed by Howarth being pulled down, allowing Aspinall a simple pick up to score.

It was again converted by Lovgreen to leave Bolton 17-0 to the good.

Bolton looked the fitter side and attempted to go up another gear.

However, Hawcoat upped their game and came back strongly.

As Bolton sought to run more ball at the away side instead of pinning them back with the tactical kicking of the first half which had proved so successful, Hawcoat seemed to gain confidence.

Bolton have been one of the meanest defences in the league over the last five games. And their defence, although well tested, remained strong around the field.

Although players were forced to leave the field through injury Bolton held firm to nullify the visitors.

It was a professional and comprehensive show that Bolton will be looking to improve upon when Ashton Under Lyne visit on Saturday.