Under 15's Match report v Rossendale

Bolton fulfilled this fixture with almost half their squad missing. With no scrum half available and just 15 players to turn up the coaches were wondering whether they had made the right decision to honour the fixture, but it was decided not to let Rossendale down at the last minute.Rossendale kindly lent Bolton a scrum half for both halves of the match.
Rossendale piled on the pressure from the kick off and were scoring tries with ease. Bolton had no answer to their strong running back line. Bolton's heads were just not in it, they just cannot rid themselves of the 'losing mentality' after what has been a poor season of results having been placed in the wrong pool of the league. Things were looking up after Rossendale's play making number 10 had to leave the field with an injury but Rossendale had more than enough talent to replace him.
Bolton were then dealt a blow after Alfie Kay had to leave the field with a head injury followed shortly by Tom Crook who had a knock to his eye. Connor McGaughey started on the wing then moved to flanker with Sam Seddon replacing him on the wing.The scrum went uncontested which was a shame as the Bolton were quite strong in this department. The halftime whistle blew after what was a shocking first half for the away team. The only shining light was Owen Patel and Alex Greenhalgh grafting hard around the ruck and tackle area.
In the second half Bolton played with the hill and started to dominate the ruck area. Benjamin Turner started to pin the Rossendale players back with some good kicking. Bolton started to pile on the pressure but couldn't get the points they so desperately wanted.
Any mistakes or turned over ball was seized upon by Rossendale who threw the ball wide and scored with ease. Benjamin Turner used several penalties to good effect kicking for the corner and Cameron Richardson and Matthew Moore were making good choices in the lineout with hooker Harry Dawber throwing well. Unfortunately Alex Greenhalgh had to leave the field after injuring his shoulder. Bolton now down to 13 players.Eventually pressure paid off when after sustained rucking pressure from Bolton, Matthew Moore went over from short distance to score which Benjamin Turner converted. Final score was a lot of points to 7.
Definitely a game of two halves, the first was a shocker for the away team but the second half was enjoyed by coaches, players and spectators alike. Owen Patel won player of the match award, Connor McGaughey won most contribution and best tackler went to Alex Greenhalgh until he had to leave the field of play injured. Thanks to Rossendale for lending players and thanks to the referee who was excellent.