Fireworks In Fleetwood

Before any fuse could be lit, a minute silence to remember the fallen heroes of all conflicts was held.

Right from the start fleetwood gained possession from the kick-off and kept possession well, however Boltons defence was strong and organised and eventually Fleetwood were penalised for crossing and Mark Doherty fired the first rocket over for a 0-3 lead.

Once again Fleetwood ran it in well but time and time again Boltons defence was too good and forced another penalty. Mark Doherty made it 0-6. Fleetwood advanced into the Bolton's half for a brief period and Bolton were penalised for tackler not releasing, which closed the gap to 3-6.

Bolton had a good spell of attacks but Fleetwoods defence was holding firm, however it was becoming clear that the Bolton scrum was dominant and continued to get stronger as the game went on. Fleetwood were awarded a penalty which was tapped quickly only for the player to be tripped by James Higgins resulting in a yellow card. With half time approaching Bolton started to get on top with continued pressure on the Fleetwood defence. Eventually even with a man less in the scrum Bolton managed a push over try for Ash Cooper which was converted to make it 3-13 at the half.

Bolton started the second half well, introducing back the little fire cracker Will Bate, who enjoyed plenty of ball thanks to the forwards dominance and especially number 15 Jonny Stanfield who lit up the field in open play. Bate spotted a little gap in the defence and shrugged off two tacklers to produce a two on one with the full back and put captain Rhys Pritchard in for the second try which was converted making it 3-18.

Bolton continued to to defend well from the kick off but Fleetwood were awarded a penalty which was converted to make it 6-18. However shortly after, Mark Doherty knocked over another penalty to restore the 15 point gap 6-21.

Bolton's scrum was proving too hot to handle and set the Bolton backs up with a sparkler of a try with great lines of running and passing putting pocket rocket, Jonny Stanfield down the wing and with some hot footwork he rounded the full back and went in under the posts. The kick was converted to make it 6-28 and give Bolton a sniff at the bonus point try.

Unfortunately, Bolton must have been thinking about the night ahead and toffee apples because Fleetwood quickly crafted a driving maul 5 meters out which was deemed brought down by the referee who awarded a penalty try to the home team. The kick was converted from under the posts and gave Fleetwood some hope of a resurgence,13-28.

Bolton quickly snapped out of their lull and piled on the pressure. Once again the Bolton scrum was too strong and went over from 5 meters out giving Ash Cooper his second try which was converted and was the last kick of the game giving Bolton a 13-35 bonus point win.

Bolton left with maximum points in a well deserved and well rounded performance for the first time this year. Coach Dave Crouch couldn't hide his smile..

Mom- Nick Duncan