Bolton Come Out On Top Versus Hoppers

... as they took to the field to take on Preston Grasshoppers.

Bolton looked full of enthusiasm from the opening whistle as Bolton set out to make it 3 straight wins. Bolton dominated posession early on and pressure told as Preston started to concede penalties allowing Bolton a territory advantage as well.

The cumulative pressure eventually paid dividends for Bolton scrum half & captain Keith Howie who found a gap down the side of the ruck and finished it off under the sticks (conversion successful). Starting number 8 Alan Martin shortly afterwards had to leave the game with an injury, allowing replacement Pete Catherall to finish off the game.

Not that it seemed to faze Bolton at all, nor especially flanker Sam Windmill who broke for 50 or so meters in one phase towards the wing of Marcus Dabengwa (both Bolton University students) who was left free down the right wing to score Bolton's second try of the game (conversion successful).

Preston seemed to get a foothold in the game, utilising their forwards to get down into Bolton territory. But yet again, their in-discipline cost them allowing the home team to re-organise and after a short kicking duel between the two fly-halves, Preston again was lacking discipline allowing Bolton into their 22. Preston again was caught offside under the sticks and captian Howie, with Preston backs turned debating with the referee, took a tap and go penalty and found a gap in the Preston defensive line to score his second and Bolton's third try (conversion unsuccessful). Bolton were 19 points to the good at half-time.

Substitutions were made a plenty come the second half restart, as regular 4th team players hadn’t been moved up the teams at the last minute. Mark Crow made a welcome return from his injury in September and came through the game unscathed. This took its toll on a tired looking Preston team as the fresh legs introduced doing most of the workload at the start of the half but were unable to score straight away from the restart as Preston started to settle down again. Just as they looked threatening to score, more in-discipline cost them again allowing Bolton bonus territory and cashed in when great support play from the backs and the hard yards put in from the forwards, allowing Catherall to score in the corner (conversion unsuccessful).

Bolton's set piece at both the line-out and scrum were put to the test and held its own against and experienced Preston pack. Bolton efforts were rewarded at the death with an incredible goal line stand right at the death with substitute second row Nick Bridges forcing the final knock on to end the game and to prevent the opposition from scoring twice in the last three games. Final Score, Bolton 24 - 0 Preston.

Preston did play some good rugby in parts and defended well but they were just tired out by Bolton's relentless attack. They also played a lot better then their league position suggests too as their forwards started to gain dominance in the second half as they had a few breaks. Big shout out to all who played at the weekend. Bolton 4th XV are away next week against Colne and Nelson as they look to make it 4 straight wins. Stand out performers, Keith Howie and Sam Windmill.

by Nick Bridges