Bolton 4th XV Defeated Despite Strong Start

After some good forward work, the ball was moved wide thru the backs, with winger Mickey MacBurney sliding into touch just short of the line.

As Bolton kept the pressure on, a clean pick-up from the base of the scrum by number 8 Mark Higgins drew in the opposition defence, and the simple pop to supporting scrum-half Keith Howie allowed him to canter over the line to score, he also added the conversion.

Stirred into action, Thornton responded, with 2 quick tries coming from breaks by their free running scrum half. The remainder of the half was attritional as both sides looked to make the break thru. Just before half time Thornton were once again allowed to run too far with the ball, for which they took full advantage, adding a further try.

Half time, Thornton 24 Bolton 7

Early in the second half, a deliberate late tackle removed stand-off Tom Price from play, in his first game after 6 weeks of injury.

Time for manager Les Towler to enter the fray. Bolton’s front 5 dominance was starting to show, and repeatedly they pushed the Thornton pack backwards. They just couldn’t always capitalise on that possession. On one opportunity the scrum was driven towards the Thornton line, with the back row maintaining the direction. As they crossed the line second row John Kelly touched the ball down to score. Conversion was added.

Bolton maintained their late dominance, but too little too late.

Final Score: Thornton 2nd 31 Bolton 4th 14