Convincing Victory for Bolton Against Travelling Fleetwood

The turnout was so good that any latecomers were immediately relegated to the bench, and the 3 no-shows actually made team selection just that bit easier. As did lending the opposition 2 players to make up their 15 until their last car arrived.

From the start Bolton looked a more complete team than the previous week, but their first-up tackling still needs some improvement. A period spent in the opposition 22 soon gave rewards as James Foey powered over from a line out. But Fleetwood bounced straight back with a try of their own as Bolton patted themselves on the back.

The half progressed with most of the play coming from Bolton, with Fleetwood responding with some powerful running from their 8 and 10 to keep Bolton away from their try-line.

The 20 minute substitution of half of the pack broke the stalemate, as Bolton captain Keith Howie went over for the first of his 2 tries. And then it happened. Forrester set off on a run! He ran at the opposition backs and when it seemed he had nowhere to go he chipped over the top and chased and retrieved his own kick. He passed to Macdonald and thought “job done”, and then Macdonald passed it back! Well, better go for the line then. So off he went, only to be tackled 2m short, where he offloaded the ball with a 3m forward pass. Ah well.

Howie went over for his second just before the break.

Half time 17 – 5.

Bolton reverted to their starting line for the second half, as they stuck to their policy of ‘everyone plays’. But the Fleetwood heads were starting to go down, as youngster Foey crossed for his second of the game.

Ryan Gledhill crossed the line shortly afterwards to score. Foey added his third as well.

Fleetwood were now playing with 3 Bolton players in their ranks as they had run out of bodies. Tom Comery, fresh from missionary work in the East Midlands, added the final try to add to his 4 conversions for the day.

Fleetwood scored a late consolation try at the final whistle.

Bolton 43 Fleetwood 10.