Bolton 4th XV Comfortably Defeat Hoppers

Bolstered by a number of returning players who brought skills rather than fitness to the game Bolton started brightly with a series of rucks to spread the ball wide where Towler continually released the power of Spencer and the pace of Downs, debuting at centre.

It was from a powerful Spencer drive, ably supported by the terrier like Griffiths that Bolton earned their first points of the game as Hardman converted to provide a 3-0 lead. From here on in Bolton never looked likely to lose this game. The veterans McGrath, who played an ambitious running game at number 8, and Towler both crossed the line with Hardman adding one of the conversions to give Bolton a fine 20 point lead at half time.

Although Preston came out with renewed determination for the second half Bolton started extremely well with a long hanging restart being dropped by the Preston player to give Bolton a line out on the Preston 22 line.

A pin point throw by Griffiths found the soaring John Kelly who gathered the ball before putting into the hands of Cruice. A twenty yard rolling maul ensued with Cruice crossing the line to score a perfect forwards try.

Further scores were added by the Bolton team through McGrath, who completed his hat trick by the end of the game and these remaining two tries were punctuated by Preston playing their best spell of rugby and crossing the Bolton line for a well deserved try.

Bolton ran out worthy victors 37-5 to earn their first win of the season with Mcgrath being named man of the match.

Further fine performances throughout the day were illustrated by the excellent work of Ashley Cooper, Matthew Harrison and Phil Coates who dominated the scrums throughout the day.