RUGBY UNION: Bolton’s second team suffered a 31-17 defeat at Thornton Cleveleys’ second team.

The Avenue Street men went behind to three tries in the opening 20 minutes, but were giving as good as they got.

Their good play eventually paid off when Jez Rees scored an unconverted try five minutes before the break.

They maintained the pressure and scored another try 10 minutes after the break when Marcus O’Donahoe scored.

The comeback was complete 15 minutes from time when O’Donahoe scored a converted try to level the scores.

Bolton then went all out for victory but left their defence exposed and the Fylde side scored two late tries.

Bolton seconds face Pendle tonight.

Bolton’s fourth team also went down 29-12 at home to Garstang’s third team.

The visitors took control with three first-half tries before Bolton improved after the break, camping in Garstang’s half for long periods.

Barlow scored a try and player of the year Neil Carlisle added the conversion.

With Garstang’s lead under pressure, they stepped up a gear and scored two further tries to put the match beyond doubt.

Bolton had the last word when Barlow kicked, Whittaker chased and caught the winger who fluffed the catch, and Dean scored in the corner.

Bolton’s first team cemented their position in sixth in the North Lancashire Division One with a 25-10 home victory over Garstang.

Another workmanlike performance earned them their eighth win in 10 matches and maintained the consistent form they have finally found under coaches Guy Lovgreen and Alex Youngman.