Fleetwood RUFC Under 18s 10 v 12 Bolton RUFC Under 18s

Fleetwood Under 18s entertained Bolton in a small oasis of dry weather in the Wyre valley, despite the flood warnings and what a game both sides put on for the hardy supporters. These two teams have a long history of friendly rivalry going back to mini rugby and what is likely to be their last game was one to remember and too close to call until the final whistle.
The Fleetwood coaches had worked man and womanfully to get the game on and as the Bolton players travelled up the motorway through yet more heavy rain we all wondered if there would be a match. However, we were greeted by a smile, a welcome and some sunshine and news that we would be playing the match at the Nautical College, given the recent weather a very apt place.

The game started with a minute’s silence to remember those who had suffered in the recent atrocities across the world and Bolton received the ball playing with a strong wind.
The home side were straight on the front foot (a webbed one we think) and snatched up the loose ball and rolled forward. Some superb close quarters play resulted in a try within the first few minutes and a 5-0 lead for Fleetwood.

Bolton used the wind to their advantage and looked dangerous with ball in hand but Fleetwood kept those times to a minimum and the possession stats must’ve been well in the home sides favour. In a rare visit to the Fleetwood half Mason Lockley blasted through a rare gap in the home defence and rounded the full back to score under the posts. Tom Hill added the extras and Bolton were ahead 5-7.
Bolton were keeping the Fleetwood backs pretty much under wraps and a brilliant covering tackle by George Weston clamped the ball as the home centre looked to put his winger over the try line. Despite strong runs from Connor Orrell, Charlie Aylett and Ryan McClusky the first half was mainly Fleetwood’s and the teams changed round with the home side 10-7 to the good and only last ditch defence prevented a third try just before the break.
Things looked grim for Bolton as Fleetwood now had the strong wind at their backs and having dominated first half possession the home side must’ve thought the hard work had been completed. However, Bolton are a resilient side these days and in the second period their superior fitness also started to tell. The Bolton 8 really turned up the heat and it was Bolton’s turn to have more of the ball. Joe Speakman’s first performance in a Bolton shirt was a revelation and he coped with everything at full back and showed his paces by outsprinting the Fleetwood backs to a loose ball, gathering it with ease and then dancing through several tackles. Joe seems a great asset to the team and we look forward to seeing him having a bit more ball to play with and in better conditions over the coming weeks. Out wide James Sykes returned to the team after injury and looked really good, Adam Kazmi and Adam Hackin looked fast and secure and Charlie Hardern was unflustered in defence and dangerous on attack while Joey Gore looked solid in defence and inventive with ball in hand. Centres Josh Holmes and Joe Partington were their usual selves, strong running and strong tackling and their opposite numbers were constantly on the back foot as Tom Hill fed his runners intelligently and probed the green and yellow defence.
Up front Mason Lockley, Matt Chowdhury and Connor Orrell worked tirelessly and despite being under pressure in the scrums Matt, Jordan Ashton, George Weston and Seth Fairclough had the upper hand in the lineouts. Paddy Hargreaves played some superb rugby and with his colleagues Adam, Matt and Seth really stepped up from the Under 17s and helped the team tremendously stepping in at the last moment when illness struck down several of the Under 18s players.
With more ball to play with Ryan and Charlie had more opportunity to put the Fleetwood defence under pressure and only a last moment tackle or a hand or body in the way prevented Bolton scoring a try or two.
As confidence grew the Bolton pack looked a different outfit and played superbly during the second period. They competed strongly at the breakdown and forced the home team into more errors than in the first period. The Fleetwood pack still drove forward with drive and determination but they were repeatedly knocked back by excellent tackles and the breakdown was much more competitive.
Harry Stocks capitalised on the better possession and his sniping and distribution was first class and helped his team to keep rolling forward.
With 15 minutes remaining the game was definitely in the balance. Bolton looked like they wanted the win just a little more and perhaps it was this that gave them the belief that they could prevail. Charlie Aylett made yet another break and Bolton recycled the ball quickly and broke down the right flank. Harry Stocks gave Tom Hill a perfect ball to run onto and quick hands from Joe Partington gave Joey Gore a metre of space on the wing. Joey rounded his opposite number but was tackled by the full back, however, as he fell he scooped the ball up for the supporting Tom Hill who outpaced the cover to score in the corner and win the game for Bolton.

A brilliant move and handling that belied the tough conditions and a score that deserved to win the game.
Fleetwood never gave in and only stout defence from all the Bolton side but especially the forwards and Centres (Paddy, Seth, Ryan, George, Connor, Charlie, Matt, Mason and Jordan plus Joe and Josh) kept their overtures at arm’s length and allowed Bolton to secure a hard fought victory.
Bolton can be very proud of the way they hung in a game that looked to be ebbing away at half time and to nil the home side in the second period was a tremendous achievement. Thanks to Fleetwood’s parents and coaches for making us so very welcome and for working hard to ensure the game went ahead; one of very few in the North West today we are sure. As always the Fleetwood team were a credit and it was probably one of the best adverts for Colts rugby we have seen in a while. The teams played hard but fair, no quarter was asked or given but they shook hands and exchanged heartfelt congratulations and commiserations at the final whistle. The banter between the parents and fans was excellent and it is sad to think that unless they meet in the cup this will be the final time these two teams will play against each other as Juniors. Thanks to all the players, coaches and parents who have kept the friendly rivalry between Fleetwood and Bolton alive over the years and good luck to Fleetwood for the rest of the season.
Bolton march on and with other games postponed have now set up a top of the table clash with Sedgley Park next Sunday. The tough games just keep coming – it’s great!