Orrell 28 - 15 Bolton

Sunday saw Bolton U15’s play Orrell in the cup semi-final. With a few injuries and holidays this was always going to be a tough game against a well drilled team who finished unbeaten in league 3.
After the performance in the last game against Rochdale the crowd were positive that the game would be a good spectacle but within a minute of kick off Orrell took the lead with a soft try after some very poor defending. This was followed shortly by another try from Orrell and it looked like the team might be in for a long hard morning. The Orrell pack were looking much sharper and more aggressive at the breakdown, winning good ball for the back line to use.
Towards the end of the first half Bolton scored a try, which was well earned by the whole pack with Connah Mansfield bulldozing over.
Half time Orrell 14 – 5 Bolton.
The second half started with Bolton now playing up hill and, after a strong half time talk, looked like they wanted to make a game of it. The second half was very stop start with the referee inconsistent to both teams and several very strange decisions made.
Orrell were still dominating the ruck, creating a solid platform to feed the backs which led to a third try. Their fourth try followed shortly after with the Orrell wing collecting the ball in his own half and exploiting some tired Bolton defence.
The last 10 minutes showed Bolton can play with aggression around the ruck and hard running with the ball. The forwards worked collectively with a catch and drive from a line out which went 40 yards up the pitch and shortly after Lewis Picton scored the next score for Bolton. Myles Garth then crossed following phases of play which involved both forwards and backs together.
A better performance in the second half but Bolton must improve their consistency for the full 60 minutes, starting games fully focused and ready from the first whistle otherwise they will get punished against good teams.
Final score Orrell 28 – 15 Bolton