Bolton 2nd XV Romp into Cup Final

Played out on Burnage's 4G pitch, Bolton found themselves under the cosh in the early exchanges with the physical Burnage side running hard at the resilient Bolton defence. Great tackling from Quegan, veteran Gareth Evans and Number 8 Brad Cliff stunted the physical carries of the Burnage forwards in and around the break down.

The Bolton pack found themselves under pressure all day in the scrum with the Burnage front five definitely having the better of the early exchanges. However Bolton were without doubt the superior side in the line out where they were dominant all day. This meant that both sides had good possession throughout the game allowing the game to ebb and flow throughout.

After the opening exchanges Bolton began to settle on the unfamiliar surface and after approx 20 mins managed to break out of their half and get on the front foot After some good work from Joseph and Wignall in the backs - prop Chris Turner burst through the line and two Burnage defenders to create a hole. He was pulled down on the Burnage 22 and quickly recycled ball allowed Wignall to bust the line again to open the scoring with a try for Bolton - converted by Terry.

The travelling fans from Bolton were ecstatic and a huge cheer went up from the vociferous travelling support. Bolton were now on a roll and further good work from the Bolton back row allowed Cliff to get the ball on the charge again leading by example with any number of quick breaks from the 8 position. From one such break Bolton moved the ball wide, attacking from their own 22 - the final pass was lacking and as it bounced towards touch Wignall hacked the ball on the volley down the pitch and gave chase. The Burnage full back seemed to be caught in a moment of indecision and Wignall used his deceptive speed to grab the ball and swerve around the final defender to cross again for another try , conversion missed.

This put Bolton 12- 0 to the good and therein followed the most unsavoury part of the game when an unsolicited punch from the Burnage 19 felled the Bolton centre Oliver Relph. In the ensuing fracas Relph found himself given his marching orders (poetic licence, apparently he was subbed, Ed.)which seemed very harsh however the Bolton support then took to voicing their displeasure at the Burnage winger for the remainder of the game, a fact that was not lost on the Burnage players in the second half. It was almost a good time for the half to draw to a close.

With some strong words from Captain John Keech and coach Peter Marriot ringing in their ears Bolton came out with renewed determination in the second half.

Cliff again led the way with a number of strong carries coupled with decisive trundles from Manny Tailor and his front row compatriot James Franks. With good ball from the top of the line out centres Howartha and Wignall led the way with a number of charges and the back line defence in one up tackling was exemplified by great first up tackling from O Donohue and captain for the day Tom Relph. Burnage found themselves pinned in their own half for long periods and conceding penalties to stem the tide. Unfortunately having opted for two penalty kicks at goal, Terry was unable to add the extras. Bolton could feel the game was theirs for the taking and a superb step on the carry from flanker Alex Quegan, an ever present in this dominant side this season, completely threw the Burnage defence however with only one man to beat Bolton somehow managed to squander the opportunity.

As time ticked down Bolton could feel Burnage gaining some momentum when prop Chris Turner popped up in the back line to create some shimmy shammy magic with a side step and a dummy wrong footing the Burnage back line he surged forwards and rounded the attempted tackle from the Burnage full back to score the decisive score converted by Terry.

With only minutes to go Bolton knew they had the game won however Burnage cross ed the line for a conciliatory score late in the game.

Bolton deserved their win and now face Stockport 3's in the final to be played in May.