BOLTON RUFC suffered another frustrating weekend with very little rugby being played.
The first team unable to play one of their remaining league matches, due to the other teams commitments. Instead Bolton organised a friendly game against an Aldwinians XV. Disastrously, whilst in the process of warming up for the game, the club received a telephone message saying the opposition would not be travelling the short distance from Ashton.
The disappointed players held an impromptu training sessions, but nothing could hide their disappointment as they were hoping to prepare for next week's crucial league match at home to bottom club Broughton.
The second team managed to start their scheduled game at home against Fleetwood, but the weather got the better of the fixture at half time, as the referee abandoned proceedings.
The Avenue Street pitches, very muddy at the kick off, deteriorated rapidly in the first half under the relentless downpour.
Bolton had started the better of the two teams with two Taff Wallbank penalties, giving them an early lead, Fleetwood replied with a unconverted try. Wallbank restored the lead with another penalty, before prop forward Paul Stockton had to leave the field through injury.
This unsettled Bolton's rhythm and Fleetwood's full back scored a try to give the visitors a half time, one point lead. The weather deteriorated during the break and the referee sensibly talked to both captain's, who agreed the surface was becoming unplayable and both sides settled for an honourable draw.
Bolton's veterans played at Fleetwood in weather more associated to warmer countries.
Their last game of the season encouraged a strong turn out, but it was Fleetwood who opened up the better team, strong defence keeping the home side from scoring first. When Bolton eventually found some rhythm tries came on a regular basis throughout the game. Eight tries in total were scored as Bolton came out 50-0 winners.
Steve Mullineux and Greg Nicol both scored twice, Pete Catherall, Tom Lowe and Mark Turner, with youngster Andy Bowling guesting for the old timers, also scoring in his first ever game of union. Skipper Duncan Trench kicked five out of eight in the seaside sunshine.
The loss of prop forward, Paul Norris with an injury did not affect the side with replacement Mike Kay featuring in the back row in the resulting shake up.
Fleetwood looked the stronger in the set pieces, but Brocklehurst, Ball, Fernside and Higgins caused the home side problems in the loose, as the forwards linked up some exciting back play.
The vets in their first season since reforming have had an enjoyable campaign under Duncan Trench and with more players threatening to join next year as their age increases, next season should a regular Saturday turn out of the old fogies.
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