Bolton 13 Lytham 22

AFTER last week's disappointing cup result Bolton returned to league action at Avenue Street with newly promoted Lytham the visitors.

An early penalty by Mike Ince gave Bolton a good start, but it was the visitors who were to play the better rugby in the first half and their determined play gave them a half time lead of 16-3, thanks to a converted try and three penalties.

The second half saw a much improved performance from Bolton, after a rallying call from captain Paul Hunt at the break. The skipper led the way with a try that was converted by Ince. A further penalty closed the gap, but the visitors always had enough in reserve to hold out and increased their lead with two more penalties.

The slow start to the game had cost Bolton the chance to open their win account for the season.

Next week sees the side make a tricky trip to relegated Burnley-based side Calder Vale.

The club's other sides all competed against neighbours Leigh, due to Lytham's connection with National League side Fylde.

The seconds travelled to Leigh losing 35-8, the side competed well, but were hampered by the early injury to Rob Goodliff, who left the field after only five minutes.

The remaining 14 got their reward through an Alex Quegan try and a penalty by captain Derek Keogh. The thirds in up tempo mood after last week's good performance, assembled at home for the first time with a full squad for the visit of Leigh.

Steve Morrison kicked an early penalty after good work by Allan Catherall and Dave Yates. Morrison then added a try as he chased his own kick, which the visitors failed to clear.

Leigh replied with a good score by their winger, and with only one point separating the two sides, Bolton moved up a gear.

From a scrummage, the back row sucked in the cover defence, leaving Dan Berry to score, with Mike Singleton kicking the conversion that gave Bolton a well deserved 15-7 win.

Bolton's vets travelled to face a strong Leigh veterans side. The tempo of the game was set right from the start as both teams scored tries within the first few minutes, the Bolton score coming from Rob Killiner.

Leigh regained their lead with two well taken tries as Bolton could not maintain possession, the home side showing good touches on the way to the try line. Captain Duncan Trench came up with a half time cabinet reshuffle, that left many a puzzled forward wondering where he was playing next.

The captain's master plan came good however, when Killiner crashed over for his second try from his new centre position. Leigh always looked dangerous and added further tries in between Bolton's third try scored by Guy Topping. A final score of 45-17 to Leigh was a fair refection of play as the home side used their possession to better effect than their visitors.

Saturday, October 6 sees the annual old boys lunch prior to the Bury League game, any former players or friends of Bolton RUFC should contact David Patchett on 01706 826298 for further details.