u18s make us proud in an exciting defeat to Widnes

Bolton Under 18s ended their time as Junior rugby players in fine style representing their club in the final of the Senior Colts Lancashire Cup and in the last Under 18s match of the season.
It was a trip into the unknown as no-one could ever remember playing Widnes as Juniors and with Widnes having won their league, the Lancashire Cup on several occasions in recent years and also had the advantage of playing at home it was always going to be a tough ask.
Widnes started the game well and made the initial running, however, Bolton’s defence was immense and Jordan Ashton imperious in the lineouts securing turn over ball time and time again. This gave the Bolton lads confidence and it didn’t take long for the Bolton backs to put the home outfit under the pump. With Charlie Aylett and Ryan McClusky running good lines in the forwards and Harry Stocks and Joe Speakman in charge at half back it was time for a red tide to sweep forwards.
Centres Chris Brownlow and Joe Speakman had the upper hand in midfield and with Josh Holmes running sweet lines from full back Bolton made some telling breaks.
A move down the left flank and a quick recycle of possession, a straight run for Charlie Aylett tied in the Widnes breakaways and the ball was quickly spun to the right wing where Josh’s dancing feet gave Charlie Hardern an opportunity which he took with both hands and dove over in the corner. The angle and wind was against Chris Brownlow but Bolton were ahead 0-5.

Bolton quickly doubled their advantage with Josh Holmes scoring and the home side were rocking. Bolton looked the better side and just needed a third score to capitalise on their advantage and pull away. Matt Chowdhury, Connor Orrell and George Carbery were proving to be a very effective front row partnership and a stolen scrum again put Bolton on the front foot. Ryan McClusky broke through the light blue blanket and raced down the wing; drew the full back and put Joe Speakman under the posts only for the referee to deem the pass forward and chalk off the score. With a second score also being cancelled out the rugby Gods seemed to be contriving against Bolton and this seemed to spur the home side on and they scored a try from a scrum to bring them back into the contest 7-10. With the home crowd firmly behind Widnes they scored again and went into the half 12-10 ahead.

Bolton’s coaches Jonathan Hill, Gareth Stocks and JP Hardman shuffled their pack at the half with Jacob Walker entering the fray to replace George Carbery who had given everything in the first period and Joel Thompson replacing Matt Chowdhury. Out wide the semi-final match winner Sam Smith was replaced by Joey Gore; Sam had played well in the first half and he’d looked sharp throughout but it was good to get to see Joey back after missing games through concussion.
Widnes started the second period with their tails up and with Bolton infringing on too many occasions extended their lead with a couple of penalties, 18-10.
Having tackled himself to a standstill George Weston left the field and Chris Brownlow moved into the pack with Tom Hill tacking over at Centre. Bolton had been starved of possession for over 30 minutes and Widnes extended their lead further to 25-10 with a third try.
However, the next score was a peach and definitely the try of the game, the day and perhaps the tournament. Bolton piled forwards from the kick off and started to secure some ball. Joey Gore had a nice run down the left flank and perhaps this helped galvanise the lads in Red.
The pack got the Bolton side on the move and with Charlie Aylett again running strongly and Mason Lockley making his presence felt the put they home side back under pressure and pinned them back in their own 22m area. Widnes’ exit strategy was excellent but their kick out of defence was straight down the middle of the field and found full back and captain Josh Holmes in some space, something we hadn’t seen in a while. Josh accelerated through the first line of defence, jinked left and right and with the aid of a perfect hand off and another tap on the accelerator he was away and with blue shirts left in his wake he dotted down under the posts. Chris Brownlow added the extras and it was game on again at 25-17.

Unfortunately it just wasn’t to be and despite the Bolton lads putting everything on the line and subs Adam Kazmi, Johnny Wallis and Harry Kay adding both fresh legs and none-too-shabby skills Widnes rounded off the game with two further scores.
Bolton’s never say die spirit was still in evidence and Harry Kay really put his shoulder to the wheel and had probably the best 10 minutes of his whole season, showing just how much he has improved over the year. Joe Speakman had another try disallowed, he was heart-broken after the match two tries chalked off and he was on £20 a score from his Dad!
Bolton ended the match on the Widnes line but couldn’t break it and to howls of joy from the large home contingent the referee blew his whistle for the final time on this crop of Junior Rugby players and Widnes took the trophy.
Then Bolton team were disappointed but un-bowed. A great season for a great bunch of lads and we will definitely miss them as they move out into the world of University and work next year. We hope that many will remain playing in Bolton Red and we look forward to catching up with those who leave the area on their return. There is always a warm welcome at Bolton RUFC for you all and we wish you all the best for the future and every success in what you do.
A better set of lads, parents, grand-parents etc we couldn’t imagine, you have been superb over the years and we will miss you all.

A final thanks to coaches Jonathan Hill and Gareth Stocks and bothe JP Hardman and Mark Doherty for all their hard work with the team this season. Thanks to Julie Manley for bringing her magic sponge to the final and her sterling work.