BOLTON basketball team faced a challenge on Friday night, playing away at Moss Side, an intimidating strong, fast team who possess a mixture of groomed and raw talented players. The home side ran off 22 consecutive points until Bolton hit a shot. Bolton added another six points; a season low for points in a quarter and trailed 30 to 8.

An uphill struggle now faced the visitors. Bolton played well in the second quarter outscoring the home side 27 to 23. Pride began to show as Bolton held their own but still faced an uphill struggle if the deficit was to be reduced.

At the half Bolton trailed 53 to 35, still a glimmer of hope could be seen if Bolton kept up the pressure. However, Bolton got off to a poor start, turnovers and missed shots gave the hungry home side an appetite as their game was lifted as Bolton heads looked down. The air was being sucked out of Bolton's balloon and they were just going through the motions. A lack of urgency from the players and coach was apparent, confusion and frustration was setting in.

As the final quarter began, Bolton stared at a 29-point deficit. Bolton knew that the game would not be won. The game now should have been about pride, to go down with a fight and for notes to be made so that the same would not happen again.

A lesson had to be learnt. As the home side celebrated Bolton had to see where they were heading for the future. A loss such as this made the players and coach wonder about their strategies, abilities and how each individual faces up to challenges. Bolton face Rainford at home on Friday and after this soul-searching loss, a win is a must and everything must be done to ensure this occurs.