Bolton just lose out to Ashton’s larger squad.

Bolton just lose out to Ashton’s larger squad.
Ashton 28 Bolton 19
A number of injuries meant that Bolton arrived at Ashton with only 14, and one of those – Harvey Banks, is still recovering from an injury. Ashton had a squad of 18, so it was always going to be a tough game. However, Bolton started off strongly, with Harvey Banks stealing the ball on a number of occasions, and Jamie Currie putting in some tremendous tackles on the Ashton backs. Matty Baum was making a great run when Ashton put in a very high tackle on him, leading to a penalty for Bolton. David Price made a tremendous kick giving Bolton an excellent position for the line out only yards away from the try line. Bolton are always strong in this position, and an excellent throw in by Matthew Chowdhury saw Bolton use the ball well, and Morgan Smith and the pack ensured that Harvey Banks was driven over for a try. 0-5 to Bolton. The next 10 minutes saw strong play from both teams, with Eddie Southcombe and Paddy Uzoka making welcome returns to the team and driving the Bolton forwards well. Nathan Collins made a couple of good runs but the Ashton defence held well. Then Ashton ran the ball well to score a try which they converted, 7-5 to Ashton.
As the first half drew to a close, Adam Hackin burst through the Ashton defence, and passed the ball t George Lilleywhite who’s speed and turns outwitted Ashton and he dove over the line to score a fantastic try. Unfortunately an Ashton lad followed in for a last ditch tackle, and caught George’s back badly with his knee. The referee called half time, and eventually the game was moved to another pitch as we waited for the ambulance to arrive to ensure that George had proper attention.
It was clearly difficult for the Bolton lads to play the second half with their team mate lying injured only yards away from them. In addition Ashton having an extra man and several substitutes began to play it’s part. David Price had converted George’s try leaving the score 12-7, but Ashton had an early try converted in the second half and took the lead, 14-12. Another try swiftly followed, leading them with a score of 21-12. Bolton soon rallied, and Sam Smith’s excellent play gave Bolton an opportunity. The ball was whipped out to Adam Hackin who put Bolton back in contention, and David Price quickly converted it, with the score 21-19 to Ashton. Unfortunately, the very last minute saw Ashton use their extra man to sprint down the line for a final try, and the whistle saw the score 28-19 to Ashton. However, the day ended on a positive note, with George allowed home from hospital, and although the damage to his muscles is severe, he should be back playing in a few weeks.