Trafford MV 1st XV 5 v 50 Bolton 1st XV

The dominance on the scoreline reflects the superiority Bolton enjoyed during a windy afternoon in Cheshire.

A highly motivated Bolton side turned up knowing that only a win would keep De La Salle and St Edwards at bay in the battle for second place and this determination was evident from the kick off, as Bolton's rampaging forwards pushed their opponents back early on. It was from such a series of drives that allowed scrum half Nick Lever to burrow over from close range for the crucial early try. Mark Doherty kept up his superb form with the boot to slot the conversion.

This early score seemed to settle the nerves of Bolton, who went further ahead with a penalty from Doherty. Forward dominance was the theme in the first half, with Trafford offering little resistance to the powerful trio of Parrish, Critchlow and Pritchard.

The set piece was also functioning well, which brought its rewards after 25 minutes with Number Eight Parrish picking up from the base of a dominant scrum to power over, Doherty converted to give Bolton a 17-0 lead.

Trafford rallied and scored a well worked try of their own after a pinpoint crossfield kick caught the Bolton defence napping. This was however a blip in an otherwise well executed first half for the cherry and whites.

With two tries already scored, Bolton knew they were now chasing not only victory, but also the four try bonus point. They scored their third try five minutes in through Parrish again who scooped over after another imperious scrummage.

The next try of the match, which secured the bonus point was fittingly the best of the match. After excellent set piece ball, Doherty released Will Bate, who having broken the Trafford defensive line, passed to full back Danny Joseph, who drew the last man and passed to the onrushing Marcus O'Donahue who finished fantastically in the corner. Doherty kicked the extra two from the touch line to give Bolton a 29-5 lead going into the final quarter of the match.

Up front Ash Cooper was giving a typical man of the match performance through a combination of ferocious defence and tigerish work at the breakdown, it was from a breakdown where Parrish was able to complete his hat trick as he once again out muscled the hosts' defence to power over. Another conversion for Doherty followed and Bolton were starting to cut loose.

Further converted scores through Vice Captain and centre Dave Bruen, and Will Bate added gloss to the scoreline and Bolton will be thoroughly pleased with a professional and clinical performance.

The final game of the season is on Saturday at Avenue Street against Burnley where a win is needed to secure second place in the league and a possible play off for promotion.

All involved at Bolton RUFC would be delighted to see as many supporters as possible down to watch the town's most successful sports team of the moment to celebrate what has been a seminal season both on and off the pitch for the town's rugby club.