Bolton 1st xv 19 v 44 Trafford MV 1st xv

Trafford are consistently one of the leading sides in the league, and they certainly started as promotion hopefuls, pouncing on every Bolton error, punishing an early missed tackle to score within five minutes. Bolton attempted to get back in the game, with their set piece providing a solid platform, but it was the breakdown where Trafford were causing the most damage. Bolton couldn't hold onto possession, and against the run of play, Trafford got round the outside of Bolton's defence to score again.

Strong play at the breakdown from Bolton's man of the match James Regan, epitomised Bolton's effort, and it was through this strong and direct play that Bolton opened their account, with Louis Critchlow diving over from close range,

Yet again, Bolton were their own worst enemies as they allowed Trafford through a further three more times before half time.

Bolton however finished the half strongly, with Ash Cooper and Captain Chris Cockton leading by example by carrying and tackling well.

The second half was much tighter, and again it was only Bolton's mistakes which allowed Trafford to extend their lead. With their bonus point Secure, Trafford kicked lots of possession away, testing the Bolton back three, however full back Andy Crimmins and wing Tom Relph dealt with the aerial threat well.

After persistently attacking the Trafford fringe defence, a gap finally opened up for substitute Dave Ormes, who took his opportunity well, galloping in from 25 metres and crashing over the Trafford full back for good measure.

The last twenty minutes of the match were Bolton's best, and they deserved at least a four try bonus point from the defeat. They did score again, with Critchlow rounding off a powerful performance to go over under the posts. Scrum half Nic Lever converted.

Despite this convincing defeat, Bolton's young side will play worse and win this season and they stand a great chance of a first league victory next week away against Hutton.