Bolton kick off cup campaign with a win

Bolton lined up in the sunshine against Blackburn in the first game of the season which was also the first game in the Lancashire Challenge competition with Blackburn keen to avenge the defeat from last season. Blackburn were first out of the blocks putting the cherry and whites under pressure with some last ditch tackles from Kieran Henninghan and Matthew Barlow. With no joy out wide Burn tried route one but again the big hits from Luke Bagnall, Bailey Howlin and Ed Webster seemed to stem the flow but the constant blue wave eventually led to a score. A smart kick off with Burn not quite ready saw Bolton deep into the 22 following a fantastic chase by Kynan Smith with the defence scrambling and Jack Phillips and Tom Didlock trying to force a turnover from the ruck, a penalty was given. Quick thinking by scrum half Sam Howie who took advantage of a retreating defence to draw the winger and pop a pass to Addison Kennedy to cross for the first Bolton score. Bolton wouldn’t hold parity for long, with Blackburn heading straight back up field to once again take the lead. Captain Marcus Crompton had decided it was time for the forwards to take control and a series of pick and drives with himself, Ibrahim Dipoti and Myles Crook each making gains, with Burn on the back foot, the forwards created quick ball and stand off Robert Harris picked a lovely inside pass to Addison Kennedy who took the ball to within 10 metres, scrum half Howie then exploited the blind side floating a pass to Harry Moxham who capped a fine performance with a superb try to again bring Bolton level.

Half time Bolton 10 Blackburn 10

Bolton kicked long, deep into the Burn 22, first there was Owen Critchlow, chasing and tackling the catcher who threw the ball back and quick as a flash, Owen was first to react to chase through for a great individual try. With the Bolton forwards now getting on top, the next score was started by Josh Aspinwall who combined well with Jack Phillips, quick hands from Robert Harris and Kynan Smith saw Owen Critchlow notch his second, converted by Howie to take Bolton to 22-10. This galvanised Burn with some strong forward play getting the ball to the speedy winger who broke through three tackles to go clear and only the full back to beat a score looked certain but as always Josh Parry once again saved the day with a superb tackle. Bolton were penalised at the breakdown and Blackburn capitalised to drive on and allow the openside to score under the posts. Bolton however were not to be denied with Addison Kennedy and Sam Howie both getting further scores to make the game safe. A final siege by Blackburn saw a monumental defensive effort by the cherry and whites in particular Luke Bagnall, Marcus Crompton, Harry Moxham and Josh Parry who simply would not be passed

Final Score Bolton 34 Blackburn 24

Special thanks to Pete Gore for a fantastic refereeing display and to Joey Gore as assistant referee, very much appreciated by us and Blackburn