U19s visit League Leaders

Bolton’s U19s travelled to the current league leaders Oldershaw out on the tip of the Wirral this Sunday expecting a hard match and needing to defend well against a side that have already put seven of the other nine teams in the Division to the sword. Their first loss had been the week before so a backlash was expected. After a considerable delay while a replacement Referee was found to cover for the appointed one who had gone AWOL, the home team hit Bolton hard from the off and scored within a few minutes, with ease, the worst was expected! However the defensive training that has been the mainstay of sessions through the season so far then kicked in and despite being under sustained pressure in their own half the team held out until midway through the half and then again just before half time to leave it 17-0 to Oldershaw at that point. The pressure continued in the second half but Bolton only conceded two more scores to leave it finally at 29-0. Oldershaw didn’t have it all their own way and Bolton continually turned over ball through forwards and backs. Outstanding on the day, Tom Swift deserved Man of the Match supported by both teams for the number of turnovers he forced. Oldershaw also praised the Bolton lads as the best rush defence they have seen all season. It may not have been a win but praise like that from the top team in the league gives support to an improving Bolton U19 team.