Bolton provide Friendly Fire

...for a pre season friendly in what was also a homecoming for former player and now Rishworthans favourite, Chris Flanagan.

The match was being played in 20 minute quarters and with Bolton boasting a squad of 27 first XV hopefuls, there were multiple substitutions throughout the game.

Early season nerves were evident from the kick off, as Rishworthians kicked over the Bolton defence, gathered and opened the scoring. This wasn't the best start for the Cherry and Whites, but is seemed to stun them into action.

Bolton used the strong running of Louis Critchlow and Chris Mee to provide the platform for James Singleton to unleash man of the match Will Bate, who's elusive running continually caused problems for the men from Yorkshire.

It was only a matter of time before Bolton's dominance in the set piece began to take its toll and from an accurate lineout, Captain Chris Cockton burrowed over for Bolton's first try. Mark Doherty converted to give Bolton a slender 7-5 lead.

The home side began to wear their opponents down, and after some slick hands from Doherty and Rhys Pritchard, Singleton threw a dummy to saunter in for his first try since his return to the club. Ten minutes later, Doherty took further advantage of the increasing number of gaps in the Rishworthians defence to run in under the posts, he converted his own try and at half time Bolton led 19-5.

With the constant rolling substations, it was difficult for Bolton to maintain any continuity, but with the aggression of Ash Cooper and Nick Sandbrook in defence, Bolton never looked threatened to concede another try.

All of Bolton's remaining tries came from the forwards, epitomising the tough conditions, far from conducive to Bolton's usual expansive game. Tony McLaughlin, Louis Critchlow and Gareth Evans all crossed the whitewash to add gloss to the scoreline.

With many players vying for selection, Bolton's first competitive outing in the cup against old adversaries Hutton on 31st August, promises to be a very competitive affair.