Hawcoat Park 16-10 Bolton

but last minute team changes brought about a lack of cohesion in a side that had started strongly this season.

The game kicked off in perfect conditions for running rugby but both teams were guilty of making errors in the opening exchanges. Bolton, first did not push the kick off 10m allowing Hawcoat the put in at the scrum, however Bolton exerted their dominance in this area early on and earned a penalty when the Hawcoat loosehead collapsed under the pressure. Mike Mills fancied the kick, but it fell agonisingly short and the game was finally underway.

Hawcoat kicked long and the new look back three of Jonny Stanfield, Mike Richardson and Louis Townsend looked to return with interest. Stanfield caused the defence trouble all day with his elusive running style, but unfortunately could not break a solid Hawcoat defensive line.

Eventually the home side earned some territory and put Bolton under pressure on their own line, realising that the cherry and white’s were not likely to allow Hawcoat in, the ball was passed back for their full back to calmly slot the drop goal from 25m out.

Bolton responded immediately from the kick off earning a penalty for offside and Mills took the 3 points on offer to bring it back to 3:3.

Bolton were now getting on the wrong side of the whistle and were penalised for hands in the ruck allowing Hawcoat to retake the lead followed by a second penalty not long after making the score 9:3.

The travelling side, incensed by some of the decisions against them decided to step the game up a gear and making the most of a truly dominant scrum earned them good ball for their completely restructured backline. Andy Crimmins in at 10 moved the ball wide through centres Mills and Waddicar before eventually Jack Robinson went over the line to the right of the sticks, only to be told he was held up….

With the put in at the scrum, Bolton felt they could make the most of the field position and following two resets for the home team loosehead collapsing, the supporters and the players were looking at the official to go to his pocket and award the penalty try. Alas, he didn’t and instead penalised Chris Mee at the next scrum for collapsing. Why Bolton would do that is a mystery!

Eventually the official did reach to his pocket when the home team number 6 took it upon himself to do an Irish jig on Louis Critchlow as he was attempting to roll away. Given the number of stamps laid down there was a call for red, but yellow was shown and Bolton had 1 minute to try and make the most of the advantage. The kick was missed by Mills and Bolton went into the half 9:3 down.

Bolton came out in the second half with a point to prove and following a missed penalty attempt from the home side that came back off the post, Bolton eventually made their way down the field in search of a score. Some strong running out wide combined with quick recycling from the forwards gave Robinson a second opportunity to score from a snipe at the base of a ruck, this time awarded and with Mills adding the extras Bolton were now in the lead 9:10.

This score brought Bolton back into the game and they soon found themselves on the break once more thanks to Mike Richardson and Jonny Stanfield down the right flank. A last gasp tackle stopped the score but Bolton were on hand to recycle and try again, until the hawcoat number 9 came from an offside position to kick the ball away. Yet another potential penalty try/yellow card situation that was not given. A knock on from a Hawcoat player gave Bolton the feed at the scrum and eventually the referee reached to his pocket to send the home side number 1 to the bin. With a man advantage, Bolton opted for the scrum once again and turned the screw, only to be denied by a further mysterious decision.

Hawcoat came back strongly and through a series of forward drives sucked in the Bolton defence to score a try out wide which their number 10 converted, despite the tough angle. Bolton now had only a few short minutes to try and salvage a result and a penalty to the corner gave them that opportunity. The Drive was set up but well countered by Hawcoat who did not engage. Mark Chappelhowe spotted the home teams decision and went forward alone supported by his forward back. A penalty offence gave Bolton another opportunity for the corner and this time the drive was successful in drawing in the opposition. Well controlled at the back by Niall Murphy, Bolton began the walk to the try line only to be penalised when Hawcoat came around the side.

Bolton were unable to get back up near the opposition try line due to stout home defence and eventually a turnover in midfield gave them the chance to clear the ball and bring about an end to the game.

All in all a disappointing result for Bolton, who can be proud of their set piece on the day, but who were found lacking around the pitch in what was an under par performance. The team have high expectations of themselves and did not do themselves justice. They must now look ahead to Saturday’s game against Oldham in a battle for 4th place.