Match report 4ths v Clitheroe

Bolton’s youthful team started well, going ahead with 2 penalties from the boot of Dan “pastie smasher” Thomas. Clitheroe’s older pack came back to pressure the smaller Bolton eight, but brave tackling stifled their efforts. When the chances came, Bolton’s back moved the ball swiftly thru hands, with stand off Tom Comery combining well with Thomas and Chinn. Only the lack of support on some of these breaks prevented Bolton moving further ahead. As the half drew to a close, Sam Chinn coasted around his opposite number and headed for the corner to be caught agonisingly close to the line. Mark “Doc” Robinson happened to be steaming up behind him, picked the ball cleanly and went over in the corner. Thomas added the extras. (or not). Bolton lead 13 – nil at half time.

In the second half Bolton played up the hill, into the sun and wind and against a revitalised Clitheroe team. Using their one man tank, Clitheroe’s only move seemed to allow him to bulldoze his way thru all before him A successful ploy, as it happens. Despite Bolton keen defence and ability to run the ball back from anywhere on the pitch, Clitheroe took the lead, with an unchallenged 20 points. Ten minutes from the end, as the older Clitheroe players tired, Bolton again took the upper hand. Quick hands again released Chinn, who glided gracefully round the Clitheroe defence to score under the posts. Thomas again added the extras. The final minutes were played out with no further score. Honours even.

Throughout the game the forwards work rate was excellent as they struggled to overcome a larger, heavier pack. But overcome it they did, only to be restrained by the ‘nouse’ of the older opposition, and the failure of the referee to prevent them killing the ball. Higgins and Long worked throughout the game, as did all the forwards. The backs handling and tackling was exemplary.