BOLTON finally got their league campaign off the ground with a comfortable victory over Manchester side Burnage.
In front of a large crowd swelled by more than 70 former players attending the pre-match lunch, Bolton dominated the game from start to finish.
The forwards in particular played with added aggression and from the first ruck, Burnage were unceremoniously knocked out of their stride as their game plan of slowing the game down failed to stop the home pack.
The opening score came in the fourth minute when from two good rucks, stand off Ince dropped a goal to give the home side the confidence boost required. A penalty followed and Bolton were in the driving seat six points up. Burnage with former rugby league player Martyn Berkett at stand off replied with a penalty to close the gap.
This was the visitors only threat in the first half as Bolton finally got their reward when after good driving by the pack, Hackin off loaded the ball in the tackle to Marriott who finished the move off to score. Ince added a further three points from another penalty to give a half time lead of 11-3.
With referee Ged Stone having a fine game and staying in full control the visitors spoiling tactics and desire to slow things down did not disrupt Bolton's flowing style, in better conditions the score could have been greater given the large amount of penalties awarded. Bolton increased their lead early after the restart when once more Burnage chose to give a penalty after yet another onslaught from the home pack.
The game should have been over as a contest in the next ten minutes but penalty kicks were missed and scoring chances wasted, as Bolton failed to press home their dominance. Burnage found a response and from a penalty for offside at the lineout a quickly taken tap by the Burnage captain led to a try in the corner by Berkett. Bolton replied and the killer instinct missing earlier in the half returned, when the centre partnership of Marriott and Morrison once more carved up their opponents and the latter scored a fine try under the post, Ince converted to give a more realistic scoreline.
The last ten minutes saw a dispirited Burnage side slow the game down to protect the points against column and Bolton only added another penalty to give a final score line of 27 - 8. In dryer conditions Bolton may have scored more and the goalkicking of Ince was not at his usual high standards, nevertheless the win Bolton required was achieved and the players can take heart from a fine team performance, yet still knowing they can play considerably better. The only worry from the day was the finger injury to scrum half Leigh, who left the field early after receiving medical attention on the field from the club doctor.
Bolton seconds kept up their winning ways with a good victory at Burnage, student Garth Swanston led the way with two fine tries showing good pace finishing off well orchestrated moves. The forwards supplied the backs with good quality possession and the back row of Bray, Davies and Houston constantly recycled the ball. Houston rounded off a good display with a well taken try, as he finished strongly from a good distance out.
The boggy conditions sucked Bolton in and ill discipline cost the side as Burnage closed the gap with a couple of penalties. Wallbank at fly half constantly turned the big home pack around with good handling and kicking skills, using his authority to ensure the game was won. Forrester stood in well at hooker, and the team once more finished the stronger in sapping conditions.
The thirds entertained Altrincham Kersal and lost 15-7 in a good game were the side battled well throughout. Turner and Keogh were the best forwards who dominated at times, with Baker working tirelessly on the back row. Bolton fielded fourteen men and the extra man was the difference in the two sides as Kersal pushed their advantage home.
The vets boosted by players returning to the club for the lunch fielded a strong side against Aldwinians, and won comfortably 24-0. Tries came from Mullineux, Daubney (2), Mickey Hughes, and Robson added the conversions. With Walton counter attacking well from deep kicks and Holden dominating the lineout, Bolton had large amounts of possession and the pack constantly marched up the field through Singleton and Bates.
The old boys dinner added to the game with many stories swopped on and off the field in a very successful day for the club. Next week the first XV travel to Thornton in the rearranged cup match, the coach leaves the clubhouse at 12.30, spectators as usual are more than welcome.
The U19 team opened up their season with a comfortable win over Rochdale, 55 - 0. Tries came from Keech 2, Dann 2, Murphy, Sinar and Strong. Hodgkinson and Higgins shared the kicking duties as the side showed good form in their preparation for the newly formed colts Lancashire and Cheshire league. The clubs juniors train and play matches at the club on Sunday mornings at 10.00a.m. The sessions are taken by qualified coaches and any boys or girls interested can turn up at the above time or ring the club on 363710 for further details.
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