BOLTON Mets suffered their first defeat of the season as they lost 34-16 at Eccles.

A much-improved Eccles side contained Bolton's early attacks, but hooker Neil Walsh broke the deadlock diving through a packed home defence to give the Mets the lead.

Eccles replied with two tries, but prop Stewart Rodgers touched down for Bolton to give them a 12-8 lead at the break.

But the home side dominated the second half, as several unforced errors and poor tackling from the Mets helped Eccles pile on the points.

Paul Wilcox, Bolton's stand off and man of the match, scored their only second half try with a solo run to the line, but the visitors could not pull back the deficit.