BOLTON Mets ARLFC started the new season with a hard fought 34-32 victory at home over newly promoted Bold Miners A.

The visitors raced to a 10 point lead, but the Mets replied with four tries before the break for a 22-10 lead. Loose forward Mark Dorning scored the first, and new signing Ross McGorman completed a hat-trick.

In the second half the St Helens side pegged the score back, but tries from Chris Williams and Neil Walsh sealed the win in a nail-biting finish.