BOLTON Mets RLFC had a break from pre-season training to enter the Bamber Bridge Sevens.

This year's tournament consisted of 12 clubs from the Conference divisions down to Division Five of the North West Counties.

The Mets started well with an early 18-10 victory over Adlington

Tries from Danny Leach, Neil Walsh, Gary Hamer and Chris Brown.

This was followed by a 16-10 win over new club Leyland Warriors; Dave Edmunson, Leach and Gaz Cartwright scoring.

The next game against Cadishead Rhinos was probably the Mets' hardest match. After trailing 6-0, they managed to equalise in the dying minutes after some good ball handling, finished off by Cartwright.

Only Widnes Tigers, undefeated to date, stood in Bolton's way for a place in the final.

Nil each at half time shows just how tight the match was. In the second half, Robert Bailey charged over the line, taking three opponents with him.

Soon after, Mark Dorning raced through from the halfway line. The Tigers replied, a final score of 12-6 put the Mets through to their first ever final.

In the final, Bolton had the daunting task of facing Conference side East Leeds who had just disposed of a full strength Wigan St Patrick's team.

The Mets' coach, Rick Brooks, was undeterred as he fired his team up for the final.

Bolton's forwards Brown and Rob Kinhead began to drive the ball in strongly and an early try from Dorning shocked the Yorkshire side, but Leeds soon replied.

Walsh later raced down the wing for another and Dorning made it 16-6 to the Mets.

As Leeds settled, two quick tries gave them a half-time advantage of 18-16.

In the second half, Dorning completed his hat-trick to make it 22-18.

Three minutes to go and Bolton scored again but the referee judged that the ball was dropped from the restart.

Leeds attacked and snatched a last-minute victory.

Although the final score was 24-22 to East Leeds, this was a moral victory for Bolton over a well disciplined Conference team. This was an excellent team performance from the Mets who now look forward to the start of next season.

Training is at Withins Sports Centre on Thursdays 7pm-9pm and on Saturdays 2pm-4pm. New players still welcome. Ring Rick Brooks 01204 519887.