Bolton 14 Trafford MV 11: BOLTON RUFC faced third in the table Trafford at Avenue Street on Saturday and recorded a well earned victory by 14-11.

Bolton opened the scoring with a fantastic try which started deep in the Bolton half, the interplay was finally finished under the posts by winger Bill Porter, leaving Simon Clarke a simple task for the conversion.

Trafford responded by playing tight rugby, using short runners around the side of the rucks and mauls. Bolton's defence held firm and Trafford settled for a penalty just before the break, to give a half time score of 7-3 in Bolton's favour.

The second half saw Bolton take command again early on and captain Paul Hunt scored the second try which was again converted by Clarke. Trafford then pressured Bolton for the remainder of the second half and finally broke through to score a well worked try out wide. The conversion was missed but the kicker soon recovered to kick a penalty.

Bolton seconds travelled to Trafford with a team consisting of a mixture of second and regular third teamers. Trafford started the scoring with a try after 10 minutes and two further penalties gave the home side a 13-0 half time lead.

Bolton opened up the second half with Damien Hanlon and Alan Catherall going close, but it was winger Richard Braithwaite who eventually scored for Bolton. Prop forward Billy Croughton was sin binned and the home side used this 10 minute period to score three further tries to win 33-5.

The Veterans marked a special day with a large turn out, some 30 players turned out for Joe Lomax's last game for the club before his retirement to warmer lands.

In fact so many players turned up that several boosted the ranks of the visiting team, some possibly hoping to meet Joe in a contact situation for the last time. Bolton ran out winners 24-7, with tries from Peter Carletti, Alan Smith, Mike Hughes and Steve Forrester. After the game Joe received a special presentation from the players to mark his service of over 30 years as both a player and stalwart of the club.

Tomorrow at 7pm sees the visit of Sale Sharks first team players to the club. The event is the start of a partnership between the two clubs, which will hopefully benefit both parties. The club house will be open with refreshments available, all interested parties are welcome.