Barber cuts LSH down to size!!

Bolton Under 16s welcomed Liverpool St Helen’s (LSH) to Avenue St for a non league game after their impressive win last week away at LSH. Confidence was high even though Bolton were missing key players, Jubair Miah (15) Jack Robinson (12) and Liam Austen (4).

LSH knew they were going to be involved in a physical encounter early on as after early Bolton pressure, their right winger was lifted and carried into touch by number 8 Cameron Barber. Harry Stockton released the Bolton backs for a promising attack, stretching the LSH defence. On 12 minutes Bolton were awarded a scrum 5m out from the LSH line and Cameron Barber scored with a strong run from the 8 position. The increasingly reliable kicker Will Lomax added the conversion from wide on the left. 7-0

The next 15 minutes saw steadfast and aggressive defence from Bolton, flankers Jack Crompton(6) and George Wilkes(7) making significant contributions behind the gain line. Bolton turned defence into attack with Eddie Redfern (14) and Jake Rigby (15) both making ground,the latter picking up a tricky pass and kicking long to provide field position for Bolton. On 26 minutes LSH won their lineout on their own 22m line but their kick was brilliantly charged down by Kieron Shacklock who completed the score in the right hand corner to make it 12 -0. Will Lomax converted from the touchline with fine precision.

Just prior to half time one of the LSH players was shown a red card for a punch after a period of poor discipline from both sides. To Bolton’s credit they stayed fairly cool and were not distracted by the ensuing unrest displayed from some behind the touchline. Bolton then withstood some heavy pressure from the 14 man LSH with David Davenport using his power to turnover LSH ball in Bolton’s favour.

On 47 minutes George Wilkes, having caused multiple problems for the LSH pack at the breakdown was red carded for a retaliatory punch which then evened the sides up again to 14 a piece.

As the match progressed, Bolton turned the screw further, with Jack Crompton (6) and Ryan McCluskey (on loan from the U15s) both making 20m each with power and elusive running respectively. This pressure was finally converted into points with Cameron Barber forcing his way over to make it 19-0.

The conversion was not taken, the referee deciding that the game should be called to a close after a scuffle after the try was scored. Regardless of this, it was an encouraging performance from the Bolton boys, strong at the breakdown and recycling ball successfully. In general our tackling was lower than last week and this made a big difference, with more penalties earned and turnovers made.

There are some promising signs of the forwards and backs working more closely and with greater coordination. We are going to need to stretch defences more with well supported backline moves when we meet tougher opposition, but this was a good step towards this goal.

Congratulations to players and coaches alike. The spirit is excellent in this squad and all the players are looking forward to the next Blacksticks Blue match next sunday v Tarleton at home.

Man of the Match: Louis Townsend (Consistently aggressive mauling and ball carrying)
Champagne moment: Will Lomax’s conversion from the right hand touchline – sweet!!

Tries: (Cameron Barber 2, Kieran Shacklock)
Cons: ( Will Lomax 2)