Bolton 4th XV Suffer Due to Lack of Available Players

ouyed by the loan of two players from the home team, Bolton started well, getting amongst the more experienced Rossendale players. An early injury to Dan “don’t rub ‘em, count ‘em” Thomas was a scare, but Bolton had their fair share of the ball, despite being one man down. But eventually the lack of a player began to open gaps for the home team whose winger flew in to touch down. Despite Bolton’s gallant tackling a further try followed later in the half. Half time 0 – 14.

The second half showed Bolton’s resolve as they continued to frustrate the home team, even with their one man advantage. But 20 minutes in, as Bolton began to tire and the gaps opened, Rossendale came to the fore. 2 tries in quick succession killed off any hope Bolton had of keeping the score down and the flood gates then opened as ‘Dale added another 2 late tries. The only consolation was their oh-so-casual kicker missing from straight in front of the posts.

This weekend Bolton host league leaders Millom at Avenue Street. Hopefully all the regular 4th team players have now completed their shopping duties for the rest of the season !

Bolton 4th team include a large contingent of players from Bolton University. Indeed the Bolton Rugby Club project to get the Rugby Union team at the University playing again has just been awarded a National award from the RFU and will be used as a case study in a booklet of Best Practice ! This is the 3rd time that Bolton Rugby Club have won an RFU National award, and they are the only club in Lancashire to do so. The awards to date are for Best Club/School Links, Social Inclusion and Student Rugby.