Bolton 4th XV - 36, Carnforth 2nd XV - 21

The other problem of the day was the new slim-fit rugby shirts, as, unfortunately, there were very few slim-fit players in evidence.

For the first 10 minutes, Bolton’s total lack of summer training shone through as all traces of last season’s fluidity were absent. Finally though, a break in the centre took play to the Carnforth line, but the final delayed pass meant the try was lacking. From the resulting series of scrums, number 8 Mark Higgins picked up and fed to scrum-half Keith Howie who crossed the line to score. Conversion missed.

Following further pressure, Carnforth conceded a penalty near their line and from the subsequent phase, Higgins collected and stumbled over the line to open his account for the season. Andy “no way I can fit in this shirt” Jolly added the extras.

New winger, Brian Taylor, made some impressive progress before he overheated. Carnforth then came back into the game and pressured Bolton in their own 22, but their eagerness saw them over do it and concede a penalty. Bolton elected to run a quick penalty and then kicked the ball deep into the Carnforth 22. Mike Shepherd, playing his first game for the Senior team flew after it like a whippet and tackled the Carnforth player who retrieved the kick near to his own line. From the ensuing ruck, old timer Derek Keogh (how did he get there ?) picked up and went over to score.

From the restart Bolton continued to press Carnforth, and again from a kick, James Kuligowski, another 4th team debutante, chased and made the tackle. A scrum followed and Higgins again picked up from the base and trundled over the line to add his second try. Four tries ahead and Bolton took a breather.

Poor defence allowed Carnforth to cross under the posts and add the conversion. A welcome half-time followed shortly. Score 22 – 7.

The second half started with Bolton in confident mood. A flowing move thru the backs ended with Kuligowski chipping ahead for Shepherd to race thru and pounce on the ball to score his well deserved virgin try. Howie added the conversion. Straight from the kick-off, Carnforth rallied and took play back into the Bolton half. Poor tackling allowed their number 10 to jink over to score and then add the conversion. Keen to maintain their lead, Bolton responded. From a break at the scrum, captain Howie ran half of the pitch, turning the Carnforth defence inside out, to score under the posts. Conversion added. Carnforth weren’t done yet and had one last try left in them.

Good performances from first timers Tony Boyce and Val Valentine, and a welcome return from Viktor Aloeye.

New players are welcome at Bolton Rugby Club. Training is at the club on Tuesdays & Thursdays 7pm. Matches at home every Saturday, meet 1:30pm, kick-off 3pm.