Aspull 29-12 Bolton

Aspull 29 Bolton 12

Bolton first team travelled to their nearest league rivals on a beautiful winter’s afternoon along with many supporters.
Bolton started the match very well and dominated the first ten minutes with great pressure on the Aspull defence. In the ninth minute, Bolton scored a try only to be brought back to a lineout as Pat O’Brien was deemed to have had his foot in touch. Almost straight away Bolton had another chance; the ball was stolen from an Aspull forward. Jack Robinson drew the defender and put Matt Stevens over for a try in the corner. Rhys Pritchard added the conversion. Aspull began to wake up a bit after this try, scored in the nineteenth minute and added the conversion. The game was a stalemate at this stage, with both sides trying to get on top. In the twenty-ninth minute and the thirty-first minute, Aspull scored two tries through some good running from their backs and it has to be said, some poor tackling from Bolton. In the thirty-eighth minute, Aspull added a penalty to their tally just before half time.

Half-time score: Aspull 24 Bolton 7

The second half was all about the defences on both sides. Bolton had many minutes of possession and went through the phases really well, but Aspull’s defence was very solid. Aspull moved the ball quickly from a kick ahead and scored a try in the sixty-second minute. Bolton were still putting some good phases together both in the forwards and backs. They were rewarded for their endeavours in the seventy sixth minute. Bolton had a lineout on the Aspull five-meter line. The forwards caught the ball and drove over for a try. Mark Chapplehow was the scorer. The half ended with both sides scoring a try apiece.

Final score: Aspull 29 Bolton 12

Bolton, although they lost, should be proud of their performance. They stuck at the task very well and there were good individual performances. Aspull players were strong in defence and moved the ball well. Bolton’s Niall Murphy captained the side encouragingly and was well supported by all the team.

Man of the Match: Niall Murphy