Ormskirk 27 Bolton RUFC 15: BOLTON took a break from league action at the weekend and travelled to Ormskirk for a friendly fixture.

Bolton were hoping to use the game to build on last week's league victory but the opening quarter was dominated by the home side.

Bolton should have scored first when hooker Jon-Paul Hardman intercepted the ball from deep in his half. But with the last few metres to go he was caught by the Ormskirk winger and the home side cleared their lines.

Ormskirk eventually scored the opening try and it looked as if this was to be the only score of the half but ten minutes of poor decisions and bad rugby cost Bolton two further tries.

A half-time score of 17-0 flattered the home side and Bolton set about proving that as they started the second half with a fine try.

Good lineout ball produced quick possession, which the backs moved wide, and Andy Leigh dived over from the base of the ruck.

A second soon followed as winger Alex Sugden crossed on his return to the side but Bolton then seemed to switch off at crucial moments and a series of lost line outs and turnovers allowed the home side out of their own 22-metre zone.

Ormskirk rallied and scored two tries to push the game beyond Bolton, who had the last word when Peter Marriott crossed in the corner.

Bolton seconds started their home game against Ormskirk like a whirlwind, with three tries in the first 15 minutes, from Andy Swain and Andy Bowling, two, giving them a 17-point lead.

But they were forced to cling on for the win after a brave fightback from the visitors.

Bolton Thirds were comfortably beaten 30-17 by Mancheste thirds in a league game, the visitors proved to be too strong and organised and led 27- 0 at the break. Bolton fought back bravely in the second period and tries from Jim Ramwell and Alan Catherall along with two conversions and a penalty by Ralph Hayes put Bolton back in the game . Time ran out however and the visitors won 30 - 17 in a good hard encounter.