BOLTON 0 Heaton MOOR 3

BOLTON RUFC failed to continue the form of the previous week losing 3-0 in a dour clash with Heaton Moor - the second defeat of the season to the Stockport based side.

The game was stuck in the middle of the pitch for long periods as both teams cancelled each other out and the referee constantly whistled for minor offences stopping either side gaining momentum. Tempers became frayed and two Heaton players spent time in the sin bin but Bolton failed to score despite Peter Hackin going close.

Their were only two try scoring chances in the game, one to each team. First the Heaton Moor full back joined the attack but failed to deliver the quality pass needed to his support players as Bolton's defence looked stretched. Secondly the referee stopped the game because a visiting player was lying injured as Hackin, Nick Milnes and Greg Nicol were attacking one defender when the whistle blew.

The vital score came when Bolton foolishly tried to run a ball out of their 22, instead of a deep kick and from the play that followed Paul Hunt was judged to have been offside and a penalty was given. A fracas followed as an Heaton Moor player took the law into his own hands, and it looked like the referee would reverse the penalty for dangerous play by the visitors. However he chose to remain with the initial decision, the penalty was kicked and the game was lost. Bolton left the field suffering a range of emotions and wondering how they did not get a point out of the game.

John Wallbank kicked two conversions for the Seconds before Heaton Moor responded with a try. John Keech then made a good break offloading to Peter Carletti who scored and with Wallbank converting it gave a half time score of 13- 5 in Bolton's favour.

The second half saw Bolton under the cosh as Heaton Moor scored a second try and their stand off dropped a goal from 50 metres to level the scores.

Bolton showed their resilience and responded through a second try for Carletti and a third by Ian McCulloch. The young winger out paced the home defence to run in from forty metres and touch down under the posts. With the extra points added Bolton won a good game 25-13.

Bolton's third team game with Tarleton was cancelled at the last minute while the Veterans drew a highly entertaining game with Aldwinians 3-3 thanks to a Guy Topping penalty.

Training continues at Sharples School on Tuesdays and at the club on Thursdays, both at 7pm.