A shaky start

Bolton 4s season finally got underway at weekend. Fleetwood started stronger and were soon deep in the Bolton half. Finally poor tackling told and they crossed to score an unconverted try, 0 – 5. This pattern looked like it might continue with Fleetwood keeping Bolton under the cosh, as Bolton stuttered and spluttered to string any phases together. Finally a break from the back of the scrum and the ball was passed sweetly out to the backs where Eldin Topalovic tore through the Fleetwood backs to open his account for the season. Simon Walsh stepped up to add the conversion, 7 – 5. The half then settled down as Bolton tried unsuccessfully to string phases together and Fleetwood, aided by their lively number 8, were stopped by an improving Bolton defence. A penalty just before half-time to Fleetwood and the score stood at 7 – 8 at the break.
The half opened in a similar fashion with poor tackling allowing Fleetwood to increase their lead, 7- 13, but that was to be their final points as Bolton began to get their act together. Good work by the forwards and Tom Byrne goes over for his first try in senior rugby, 12 – 13. Then a pickup at the scrum and stand–in stand-off James Dean weaves his way over the line, 19 – 13. More forwards pressure and Harrison Peak scores his first try in senior rugby in his first game, 26 – 13. Then with 5 minutes to go, Bolton are awarded a midfield penalty. Dean kicks for touch and all eyes follow the ball, which successfully finds its mark. But Dean has been shot by a hidden sniper and is lying prone on the pitch. First aid is called for, but it seems all he has is cramp in his leg. He’s subbed off and manager Les Towler makes his debut appearance of his 37th season. His first touch is to kick the ball to touch, guiding it to within 10m of the Fleetwood line. His second touch is to give the scissors pass to Liam Patient who powers over the try line to score, 31 – 13. The referee blows the final whistle and Towler goes off to lie down in his hyperbaric chamber.
A decent first game of the season, but both defence and continuity need to be improved over the coming weeks.
Good first games by Grant Standish and Harrison Peak, both ex-junior section players and thanks to Lee Mann for volunteering to play for Fleetwood.