Sunday 07th February 2010 Bolton U16's 0 v 27 Eccles U16's

Bolton ‘s U16s went into the return match with Eccles with a request from their coaches to go out and play the rugby they are capable of and not to allow 20+ points in the first 10mins again! They didn’t disappoint despite two tries in the first half when they allowed the speedy backs of Eccles to outflank them. Going into half time the game had gone back and forth but Bolton resisted repeated pressure from Eccles to keep it at 0-10.

The defence held strong in close play but the drift to support the wings and centres was slow to materialise at times. Luckily the back three; Morton, Merrills and Holmes covered the ground out wide and Kenyon & Almond stood their ground in the centre. Tackling on both sides was ferocious in all areas of the pitch.

The second half started with a chance to get back in the game; unfortunately the break and energy drinks seem to have had a negative effect as Bolton then allowed two soft tries through a lack of concentration. With the second one converted 10mins into the 2nd half Bolton had let themselves get to 0-22. So of course they then decide to play again and put pressure back into the game until finally allowing a try at the death to leave the final score 0-27.

The U16s had started the game with a bare 15 players and with a hard match like this there were bound to be injuries so they were lucky that the U15s training alongside were able to assist with substitutes; Harry Alnaimi, Ben Smith and Gaz Pritchard – thanks lads and Mark and Andy for helping us out. They all stood up to the challenge and dropped straight into playing with the U16 squad.

There were positives to build on in the match and we can eradicate giving away the ball too easily; so there is opportunity to improve and the squad will – if they turn up to training and work when they get there! Please.

Man of the Match – Dave Kenyon – building up confidence and skill and always in the thick of it. Also for the somersault when he was tackled – entertainment as well!