Burnley 1st XV 19 - 22 Bolton 1st XV

The strong wind and heavy pitch meant that Bolton found it difficult to get their running game going, and Burnley adapted better to the conditions during the early exchanges. The home side's early dominance culminated in the opening score, after a catch and drive at a lineout, led to a strong rolling maul, which Bolton were unable to defend.

The conversion was missed however, and Bolton began adapting their game to the conditions. They started to get their big ball carriers moving which gave Doherty the quick ball he needed to release Bolton's potent backline. On a foray into the Burnley 22, Vice Captain Dave Bruen skillfully picked up a low pass to thunder over from close range to mark his return from a lengthily injury lay-off. Doherty converted and Bolton led 7-5

Despite a shaky start, and too many uncharacteristic, unforced errors, Bolton were beginning to build some momentum, which was further enhanced after a great break and pin point grubber kick by Rhys Pritchard that dissected the opposition defence, was gathered by Danny Joseph, who beat the remaining defenders to score. The conversion was missed but Bolton still held the lead at 12-5.

Burnley sprang back into action and continued to find success using their scrum and maul. They scored their second try through their substitute centre crashing over after another dominant maul, leaving the score at 12-12 at half time.

The second half was similarly frustrating for the Cherry and Whites, who found it difficult to secure any quality set piece ball, and therefore failed to exploit the spaces out wide. However, following a break into the Burnley 22, the home side infringed at the breakdown and provided captain Chris Cockton with an easy decision to go for the 3 points. The chance was taken by fly-half Mark Doherty and Bolton regained the lead at 15-12.

Thanks to continuous errors from Bolton and dubious whistle blowing from the official Burnley were never out of the game and they took the lead again when a penalty try was awarded with 15 minutes left, leaving Bolton 19-15 behind.

It was Bolton who had the last say though, when Man of the Match Louis Critchlow stormed over the tired Burnley defence straight from a tap penalty to give Bolton a dramatic victory.

Although Bolton were not at their best, Burnley is always a difficult place to go to and win, and 'winning ugly' is something that the Avenue Street men have found hard to do in recent seasons. Next week Bolton entertain De La Salle at Avenue Street in what promises to be an enthralling match.