North Manchester 25 – Bolton 1st XV 10

However Bolton put some pressure on up front against the home side pack, but poor rucking saw the ball being turned over again and again. North Manchester took advantage of their possession and the 12 side stepped the dogged Bolton defence to put the winger in. Score 19-0 after only 25 minutes.

Bolton rallied under the posts and from the kick started to play their own game. A great chase from the kick off saw Bolton turn over ball and begin to pepper the North defence. Barnstorming runs from centre Dave Bruen made hard yards for the cherry and whites, but the home team defence stood strong. Eventually the pressure told and Bolton were awarded a penalty 25 metres out. Tom Price stepped up to the plate and slotted it for Bolton’s first three points. This seemed to be the kick that Bolton needed and again a great chase from the kick put North under the cosh. Once again Bolton hammered away at the defence and were rewarded with yet another penalty. This time they opted for the corner, and from the ensuing line-out drove over the line with prop Sam Hilton coming up smiling. Conversion slotted by Tom Price.

Bolton knew that to claw back the game they had to play the final 40 minutes just like the last 15 of the first half. Unfortunately, North Manchester responded too and resolute defence stopped Bolton creating any more scoring opportunities. Frustration started to get the better of the Bolton team and they gave away two kickable penalties taking the final score to 25-10.