Kay keeps Bolton on track against a strong tackling and rucking New Brighton side

After the World Cup disappointments of the previous evening New Brighton and Bolton Under 18s reminded us all of why we love the game of Rugby Union with a real “humdinger” of a match in the sunshine on the Wirral Riviera.
Both sides had a flat 15 and with no Society Referee a replacement had to be drafted in at very short notice.
The home side started the brighter of the two teams and registered the first score after a measured chip. However, Bolton roared straight back and Elliot Williams made the score 5-5 with a superb back line move.
This was the pattern for the first period with both sides trading blows but neither getting more than a score ahead.
Joe Partington scored untouched from a well worked penalty move to make it 12-12 with the help of Tom Hills boot and Tom brought Bolton to within 2 as he ghosted around his opposite number to out pace the cover defence.
19v17 to the home outfit at the half and all to play for.
Captain, Josh Holmes put Bolton ahead for the first time early in the second period . His calculated running line was beautifully found by a long pass from Joey Gore and Josh’s silky running finished the move in style under the posts to allow Tom Hill to make it 19v24 with the conversion.
The game was still being played at full pace despite the warm weather and both sides suffered knocks putting players out of the fray for short periods while they received treatment.
Things looked grim for Bolton as New Brighton scored a penalty and an unconverted try to lead 27v24 with just 10 minutes on the clock and things got worse as Joe Partington had to leave the field and he was followed by Joel Thompson which just a minute or two left.
A brilliant break by James Sykes had the crowd on their feet but unfortunately James couldn’t keep his as he rounded the last defender and New Brighton seized the opportunity to clear their lines..
Ryan McClusky came close losing the ball just a few metres from the line but Jacob Walker stepped up to put the visitors in front as he drove over from a 5m line out; one for the Front Row Union. 27v29.
New Brighton wouldn’t lie down and powered forward in search of a winning score in the final minutes but it wasn’t to be and Bolton recorded their first win on the road of the current campaign. However, Bolton’s hosts played some superb rugby throughout and deserved something from the game.
In the visitor’s ranks a huge WELL DONE went to Harry Kay for completing the whole game in fine style and I’m sure the team would be the first to say he deserved Man of the Match. Elsewhere Charlie Hardern was immense in defence and full of running in attack and wingers Elliot Williams and James Sykes looked dangerous with ball in hand and tackled well. Joe Partington and Josh Holmes were cutting on attack and giants in defence in midfield while the half back partnership of Tom Hill and Joey Gore looks better each week. Jacob Walker, Joel Thompson and Harry Hay made a fearsome front three and the Georges Carbery and Weston are an inspired 2nd row pairing. The back row of Connor Orrell, Jordan Ashton and Ryan McClusky player their hearts out and their presence made a huge difference to the team both in defence and going forward.
Thanks to Dominic Holmes for his flag waving and to the Under 18s loyal supporters who carried the team home this week in a very tough encounter.
A final thank you to both teams for renewing our love for Rugby Union; we’ll now have to concentrate on England’s involvement in RWC2019 and can now enjoy the rest of this year’s World Cup as neutrals.