Bolton 1st XV 17 v 38 Trafford MV 1st XV

The Sale based side had narrowly missed out on promotion last season, losing by only one point in a play off. This wasn’t however apparent from the early exchanges, where Bolton competed well and were more than a match for a strong Trafford outfit.

The match started well for Bolton, who defended valiantly and scored the first and best try of the match, with James Singleton finishing a length of the field move which involved returning number eight James Brodie, flanker James Regan and John Keech.

The conversion was unsuccessful, but Bolton deserved their lead for the way they had clawed their way into the match.

Trafford’s strong response was inevitable, but Bolton resisted until a driving maul from the visitors proved too strong for the home pack, and they opened their account and converted the score for a 7-5 lead.

The Cherry and Whites enjoyed success at the set piece, with the impressive combination of hooker Mark Crowe and second row John Stryker, winning vital ball at the line out.

In the backs, Bolton’s ball was limited due to the poor conditions, but debutant Dave Bruin scored Bolton’s two other tries, and Chris Flanagan’s penetrative lines were a constant threat to the Trafford defence.

In a defiant end to the match, Bolton defended their line valiantly, with a series of brave last ditch tackles and committed physical efforts, both of which left the Bolton side wondering what might have been, had they not gifted their opponents their early scores.

Although the match ran away from Bolton in the second half, Trafford’s scores were mainly due to Bolton’s errors, and the Avenue Street side can certainly take heart from an