BOLTON's attempt to return to winning ways was thwarted by bottom club Ashton who won by 50-21.

They fielded a weakened team and after Ashton romped into a 28 point lead, their hopes were dashed by the loss of stand off Neil Brooks with a suspected broken ankle and Greg Abbott limped out.

Bolton's points came from tries by Hartwig Driemeyer, Mark Bolton and Peter Hackin, with Bolton kicking all three conversions.

Any chance of a victiory was quickly dashed as the home side finished much the stronger.

The Seconds came back down to earth with a bump after last week's emphatic winwhen they lost 53-0 to runaway leaders Preston Grasshoppers. Ccentres Dave Hulme and Mark Burke defended well but could do little to stem the flow of points.

The Thirds restored some lost pride with a 15-0 win at Ormskirk.

Danny Barlow kicked a penalty and hit the post with a second minutes later before centre Alex Metcalfe finished off several good phases of possession and Barlow converted. Paul Hunt grabbed the final touchdown.

Bolton fourths comprehensively beat Aspull Thirds 24-0.