Bolton RUFC Amazons Under-16s girls attended Eccles for the first round of the Lancashire Challenge, clustering together with Trafford MV and Manchester Rubies.

Eccles are notably a strong force in girls rugby and the TMB (Trafford-Manchester-Bolton) cluster knew it would be a challenge.

The first match was against a strong Eccles side who have clearly been together a long time.

The hosts were first to attack and in no time at all had put a score on the board.

As the game developed, Bolton’s big-hitters, Amelia Crook and Raid Hodgkinson-Bostock were quick to do what they do best - tackle anything that moves.

However, Eccles broke through the line again and scored further tries.

The Bolton cluster kept their heads up and worked hard around the rucks, which were consistent throughout the first game.

However, TMB were unable to get on the scoreboard.

Good runs came from Molly Woodward, who always had a smile on her face. Once she was given the ball, she would power through the Eccles defence. Eleanor Shawcross used her pace to weave around the defence, and was supported by newcomer Poppy Lawrenson, who made multiple powerful runs.

Great defensive skills came from Sophie Rose with her consistent work in both attack and defence, and Muna Abdi, playing winger, did her job to prevent further tries, her tackling technique improving game by game.

The second match was against Rochdale, who only had six players so their numbers were bolstered by Eccles. This game showed TMB’s true determination and grit and it was clear the girls began to play as a team and work together, and numerous opportunities appeared for a chance to get on the scoreboard.

The team changed their playing style and used some technical ‘pod work’, meaning a try was in reach.

However, the ball was turned over a couple metres from the line and it wasn’t to be.

Sammie Makin, playing out of position, linked up well with Muna Abdi on the wing. The girls are getting used to their new team-mates and it will click the longer they play together.

After a long and difficult day for Amazons’ newly-formed cluster against a well-drilled team, the Bolton girls held their heads high and their love of rugby will keep them going through the season.

The Amazons U16s - school Years 10 and 11 - are still on the lookout for new players, whether they have played the game before or not. Anyone interested should email girls@boltonrugby.co.uk