Leythers get the spoils but 16s put in superb team performance

A very foggy Theatre of Trees was the setting for todays League game against Leigh. Thankfully, as kick off time approached, it lifted, and the posts on the far side became visible once more!

Straight from the first whistle, it was clear that this was going to be a tough game, with neither side giving ground too easily. Tackles went flying in, rucks were fought over and possession contested all over the pitch. Leigh’s kicking game from their own half told within the first few minutes and they went a converted try up. Not to be outdone, and with strong determination through the Bolton ranks, David Warren, starting as scrum-half for the first time this season, somehow twisted, turned and tussled to get himself through the Leigh defence for a great try just right of the posts after good forward work in the rucks. Tom Hill added the conversion. Score 7-7 at half-time.

The second half started in much the same vain as the first, and a couple of times, Bolton were caught offside, and Leigh decided to kick, being successful on both occasions from quite a distance out. Bolton heads were not down though, as with only 15 men and no subs, they knew they had to give everything for each other.

Our line outs were going quite well, and from one near the Leigh 22, we tried a ‘doughnut’ ball which was initially halted by the Leigh defence, but with dogged determination, the forwards rucked and mauled their way to a Will McCambridge try about 2 metres in from touch. With great aplomb, and with a comment from the referee that it was one of the best kicks he had ever seen, Tom Hill slotted over the conversion to rapturous applause from the onlookers.

With the Bolton 15 now tiring, and with Leigh being able to make a few substitutes, the away side ran in a couple more converted tries.

The lads rallied round though, and with a strong run down the left side, Ryan McCluskey made it over the whitewash to score. Tom Hill, just a couple of metres in from his last effort, duly added the two points.

Leigh, capitalising on our tiredness, ran in their last try, ably converting it to make the final score Bolton 21, Leigh 34.

Special note to be made of Jake for his start in the front row for the first time, and Connor for his penetration of the Leigh defence.

Parents’ player award went to the whole team for their sterling effort, which Tom Mc collected on their behalf
Player’s award went to Tom Hill
Coaches’ award went to Ryan McCluskey, with a special commendation from the referee, Alex Metcalfe, who we would like to thank for his time and patience.

The U16s should be immensely proud of themselves today. Not only were we short on numbers, but we really did play like a team should. The rucking was the best the coaches have seen this season, the support was much better than recent matches, and everybody gave their all. No place for complacency though, so improvements can still be made all over the pitch.

Scorers:
Tries: David Warren, Ryan McClusky & Will McCambridge
Conversions: Tom Hill x 3