Sedgley Park Senior Colts 20 v 12 Bolton Senior Colts

Sedgley Park Under 18s entertained Bolton at Whitefield in a clash of two previously unbeaten teams and for the third week running what a stunner of a Colts rugby game it was.
The home side had racked up the points for the previous two games and looked full of confidence against a much changed Bolton outfit. As the first whistle blew Sedgley took the initiative and didn’t look likely to let it go. With just 2 minutes on the clock Bolton found themselves 5-0 down as the big and well drilled home pack drove down the field.
The first half continued in a similar vein with Sedgley’s defence snuffing out any Bolton probes and the home team spending far more time in the Bolton 22 than was comfortable for the visitors. However, Bolton’s defence was spirited and determined and it took another 20 minutes for Sedgley to double their lead.
Joe Partington and Jordan Ashton had been the stars of the Bolton defence while Josh Holmes twinkling feet generated some gaps for Ryan McClusky on attack but the home defence quickly closed down any space. Charlie Aylett entered the fray to bring more “get go” to Bolton but the first half ended with the home side 10-0 to the good and on top.
Nathan Riding Farrell’s debut ended early with a knock on his knee but his work at prop and in the loose made a real difference to the side and he impressed on his return to the side after several years absence.
The second half followed similar lines to the first with the Bolton outfit unable to break down the home defence and Sedgley Park looking dangerous with the ball in hand. Harry Kay entered the match and brought some strength and direction in the tight but the home side recorded two more tries to make the score 20-0 with twenty minutes still on the clock. Things looked bleak for the Bolton reds.
However, the team spent the moments under the posts to good effect and re-doubled their efforts for the final quarter of the match. Mason Lockley, Connor Orrell, James Sykes and Jacob Walker raised the whole side and Ryan McClusky, Charlie Aylett and Josh Holmes had room to play. Joey Gore’s distribution from the base was excellent and Tom Hill moved his troops around the pitch with more style and purpose. Ryan McClusky rounded off a whole team attack started by Adam Kazmi and continued by Elliot Williams as he finally broke down the home defence to score under the posts despite the brave defence of the home Number 14. Tom Hill added the extras and the scoreboard looked a lot better at 20-7.
Connor Blades’ lineout throwing was hitting the mark and with more ball Bolton’s confidence grew and they looked a different team. Charlie Hardern and Adam Kazmi were always secure returning Sedgley’s kicks and with Jordan Ashton scrapping for every piece of possession the away side were now in the ascendancy.
Mason Lockley decided that it was his turn to shine and his 40m break gained him the nickname Mason the Tank Engine as well as a very well deserved try, that’s now two in two for the Bolton star in the making. Tom Hill couldn’t direct his kick over the posts to set up a Grandstand finish but Bolton certainly looked the better side in the closing minutes and had the home outfit on the back foot.
Bolton kept up the pressure until the final whistle but went down 20-12 in a game that was the third in the series of absolute belters this season.
Across the field players registered some excellent performances but Joe Partington summed up the day with “I was proud to be a part of that final 20 minutes”. Well said Joe and well played Bolton, lessons learned but many positives can be taken from this close defeat and the team’s fight back.