BOLTON Mets rugby league side travelled away to Crossfields of Warrington on Saturday with just 13 players.

The first half was evenly contested with both sides breaking through the defensive lines to score. Prop Colin Crompton was soon on the score sheet for the Mets followed by scrum half Alex Thomas.

As the game approached the half way stage Bolton looked more than a match for the home side. Full back Andy Bowling, centres Gaz Cartwright and Peter Horrocks all drove the ball in hard creating openings for the Mets.

The half time score was 16-14 to Crossfields. As the second half unfolded, the Mets' lack of substitutes took its toll. Crossfields took full advantage, playing the ball out wide, they added two further tries early on in the half.

Still not beaten and down to 12 men, the Mets re-grouped. Captain Mark Dorning, laid on several well-timed passes for Crompton to score two more bringing his tally for the afternoon to four.

In the final quarter, out on their feet, and now down to 11 players, the Mets still pushed up. Loose forward Ryan Terry, prop Steve Dorning and second rower Mick Booth all still driving forward.

However, Crossfields countered and ran in two late tries giving them a 38-30 victory. This was a valiant effort from the Mets, decimated by injuries and it's one they did not deserve to lose.

Coach Rick Brookes said: "The humid conditions didn't help with having no subs but, in these conditions, especially in the forwards, the work load has to be shared. This didn't happen and some players had too much to do."

Next week's game is away to Ashton, meeting at the Hare and Hounds, Bury Road at 12.30pm.