Kazmi shines brightly in among 20 stars as Bolton Colts provide an unexpected but well deserved Christmas present

T’was the Sunday before Christmas and Bolton Colts provided the best present with a tremendous performance and a win over Blackburn; a side two divisions higher in the league structure.
Unfortunately the win came at a cost as Sam Smith fractured his wrist in the first moments of the second half and will spend the first day of his Christmas holiday in Bolton Hospital; we wish him well and a speedy recovery.
For 5 days before Christmas the weather was mild and a lovely day for running rugby and for once the rain wasn’t teeming down. The game started with both teams sporting Bolton shirts as Blackburn’s kit hadn’t made the trip but it was the visitors in Bolton Black that started on top.
Bolton’s side had been bolstered as the Under 17s game had not taken place and with 5 regular starters missing due to injury or holiday the Under 17s were a Godsend.
Blackburn kicked off and remained on the front foot for most of the initial exchanges; with Bolton giving them deserved respect for a side 15 or so places up the league ladder but perhaps a bit too much.
The big Blackburn pack were a joy to watch as they drove forward and recycled the ball effectively and clinically, however, Bolton’s defence was stretched but not broken and slowly their confidence grew and they started to pick up some possession. The visitors tackled everything and Bolton struggled to build phases.
A couple of penalties saw Blackburn on the Bolton line. They secured the ball and drove towards the post but a quick switch resulted in the Blackburn winger crossing unopposed; 0-5.
It was the same player who put Blackburn in a good position with an interception just moments later. Adam Kazmi, who was superb throughout, tackled him on the Bolton 22m line but a penalty and driving lineout gave Blackburn a deserved 0-10 lead.
Up front Charlie Aylett, Mason Lockley and Ryan McClusky ran strongly and George Carbery and Connor Orrell drove the ball up willingly while Matt Chowdhury was a nuisance in the loose and put his opposite hooker under pressure in the scrums. It was great to see Joel Thompson injury free and he was always at hand to take up the ball. Jordan Ashton made sure the Blackburn lineout had to look to their laurels to secure any ball while Paddy Hargreaves and Ciaran Bach showed why they have lit up the u17’s games all season.
Joe Speakman came close with a clever chip and chase but couldn’t quite ground the ball. This was neither the first or last piece of individual brilliance by Joe who again sparkled in midfield.
Bolton turned around 10-0 down at half time and the coaches team talk must have been something special as it looked a different game in the second period.
Suddenly Bolton’s defence which had been secure all first half became like Fort Knox and the lads in red realised there was a game to be won and their work in the rucks and mauls was immense.
However, Blackburn were still dictating play and extended their lead with a penalty to 0-13 and would have made it a 16 point margin if a second kick hadn’t gone wide.
Maybe this was the catalyst, or perhaps the fact that Blackburn’s kit had arrived and the Bolton lads were not playing against Bolton shirts made a difference or perhaps it was Harry Kay standing like a rock in the mauls and scrums against which the Blackburn tide broke. Harry’s work in concert with George Carbury was a turning point and especially sweet against players they knew well, living close to Blackburn themselves. Whatever the reason the Bolton forwards produced ball for the Bolton backs that used it to great effect.
Adam Kazmi was back in his old Full Back slot and was playing out of his skin. He had had a rest in the first period when David Pryce took over the role. Both Bolton full backs were secure in defence and inventive in attack and a couple of runs by Adam put a real marker down for his teammates. Joe Speakman took up the challenge and a deft kick almost saw Adam Hackin through. However, just a few moments later an all team move gave Adam the chance to register Bolton’s first score and bring the team back into the game. Joe Speakman was off target from wide out but Bolton were on the board at 5-13.
For the next period Bolton had their illustrious rivals on the rack and there was only one team in the contest. Joe Speakman got his next grubber kick spot on and captain Josh Holmes narrowed the score to 10-13 collecting the bouncing ball and bouncing himself over the covering Full Back and the line to score. Joe Speakman was just off target.
George Lilywhite had been a star on the right wing defending strongly and somehow managing to disrupt a certain Blackburn score as he got between the centre and winger and like a magician prevented the touchdown.
Joey Gore re-entered the fray and worked well down the right linking first with Josh Holmes and then with Ryan McClusky as the Bolton team made more yards. However, it was Joe Partington that lit the touch paper for the final push and score of the game. From a lineout deep in the Bolton half Matt Chowdhury and Jordan Ashton combined well to give Scrum Half Harry Stocks quick and clean ball and as he had done all day he put his backs on the attack with a well-timed and perfect pass straight into the path of his half back partner Joe Speakman. It must be a pleasure to play Stand Off outside Harry as the ball is always to your hands and encourages you to go forward and make things happen. Having ghosted through the Blackburn backs on several occasions Joe Speakman changed tactics and a run around, dummy and pop pass gave Joe Partington a sniff of a gap which he seized with two hands as he raced 50m down field. A good cover tackle by the Blackburn captain and full back eventually brought him down but his support had arrived and the ball was quickly recycled. Harry Stocks again fed his willing runners, Connor Orrell, Joel Thompson, George Carbery and Joe Partington once more as the red juggernaut rolled forward sucking in the Blackburn cover. At just the right moment Harry released his backs and Joe Speakman put Josh into space where he dummied the pass to his winger and crashed over. Joe Speakman was closer but couldn’t improve the score but Bolton were finally ahead 15-13 with just a few minutes remaining on the clock.
Blackburn kicked off and after a moments tussle secured possession. The League B side looked to restore their advantage and challenged the Bolton team in the forwards but the Bolton defence was strong and nullified their attacks. The ball was whipped along the Blackburn line with the Bolton defenders there in numbers. Fittingly it was Adam Kazmi whose cover tackle dislodged the ball from the Blackburn wing as he tried to cut inside against the grain. A knock on, the final whistle and a deserved victory for the Bolton outfit and what a Christmas present for the lads, their coaches and their many supporters.
Blackburn were extremely gracious in defeat and were an absolute credit to their club, coaches and themselves and the Bolton lads knew the game could’ve swung either way but their heart and determination had won the day.

Adam Kazmi was the stand out player for Bolton, Charlie Aylett and Ryan McClusky gave everything as did the rest of their colleagues up front while Harry Stocks, both Joes and Josh Holmes epitomised the Bolton spirit in the backs. A great performance from all players in Bolton red and one which left Colt’s coach JP Harman’s nerves in shreds but one which he said was his best Christmas present.
After the game the lads entertained their visitors from Blackburn and then had a very happy Christmas Party. The food was superb and the catering team of Eraina, Calista, Kerry and Leanne ably assisted by Kynan Smith put on a delicious spread for the lads and coaches. JP’s nerves maybe settled by his Christmas present from all the Colts and he received a resounding cheer as he said it was probably the best performance he had been involved in at Bolton. However, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Sam Smith as he returned from A&E, we wish him a very speedy recovery. Merry Christmas to all involved in Colts rugby at Bolton, it has been a superb season and we look forward to the New Year and a trip to Liverpool St. Helens on 3rd January.
Thanks to all who have helped the minis and juniors at Bolton RUFC during 2015, the unsung heroes like club captain Les Towler, Colts coaches JP Hardman and Mark Doherty plus Jonathan Hill, Pete Hackin and Alison Cannon. However, our final thanks go to the players, their parents and the ladies at Bolton RUFC who look after us all so well, we think you are extraordinary. Please vote for the Bolton RUFC girls and ladies section at www.igachievetheextraordinary.com and help us give them the recognition they deserve and build up the girls and ladies teams in 2016. Girls and Ladies of all ages and rugby experience come along to Avenue Street each Monday 7-8:15; it’s a fun way to keep fit and the rewards are immense.