Bolton 2nds match report v Penrith

The Bolton 2’s travelled to Penrith looking to make it 3 wins from 3. Following the long coach journey, Bolton were caught napping in the first 5 minutes. The Penrith full back made an incisive run through the Bolton defence breaking a few tackles before scoring under the posts which was converted leaving Bolton trailing 7-0. Bolton started to show their dominance and camped in Penrith’s half for 15 minutes but only managed to come away with 3 points from a penalty, kicked by Reilly. Form the kick off Bolton again dominated possession, but a clearance kick from Penrith’s fly half failed to make touch and bounced fortunately for their winger who ran half the length of the pitch to score under the posts. The conversion was kicked leaving Bolton trailing 14-3 at half time. Bolton in the second half began to look dangerous from some great off loading and rolling mauls. Penrith’s pack looked tired and their scrum started going backwards. A Bolton lineout on Penrith’s 5 metre line saw Bolton maul over the line for their first try of the day, scored by Dave Evans, the conversion was missed. Bolton came out again after kick again looking dangerous and retaining the ball much better than the first half. Following an excellent spell of forwards possession, Bolton quick rucking allowed Ormes to dive over the line to score, Bolton failed to add on the extras. With 5 minutes to go Bolton trailed by 1 point, Penrith’s experienced pack had tired and gave away numerous penalties for killing Bolton possession. Penrith under pressure gave away a penalty on their own 5 metre line. Bolton opted for a scrum which was pushed over and for Al Catt to put down. The referee gave a knock on against Bolton, however following the Penrith touch judge’s intervention a try was given. It had transpired that the Penrith flanker had come round offside to kick the ball at the back of the scrum which then Al Catt touched down anyway. The conversion was missed leaving Bolton leading by 4 points. With two minutes remaining Bolton led by 4 points and Penrith came out strong looking to win the game. Bolton defence was immense and held strong to the final whistle. Final Score 18-14 making 3 wins from 3 for Bolton 2’s.

Fraser Hart MOTM - Ormes

Tries – Dave Evans, Ormes, Al Catt

Penalties - Reilly