U16s Win away at Eccles

This was the second time Bolton had faced Eccles this season and Eccles were determined to avenge the 12-5 defeat at the hands of the Cherry and Whites.

Bolton started brightly enough but quickly realised the pitch was narrow and not conducive to wide attacking play. The first half became a forwards battle with Bolton having the better ball retention and momentum. The Forward pack of Joe Mackey, Alex Tonge, Tom Griffiths, Darren Robinson, Joe McHugh, Jake Ryan, Harry Round and Ben Knowles constantly drove hard at the Eccles line wearing the home team down.

The Bolton centres were once again players used to different positions but stepped up for the team, starting scrum half Nat May, Fly half Jack Philips supported by Jack Byrne at inside centre and Jordan Griffiths at outside centre. The two starting wingers of Harry May and Sam Hart with full back Issac Woods all defended exceptionally well from the pacy and big Eccles attackers.

An entertaining first half ended 0-0 with Bolton the more positive side. A tactical positional change and a few fresh legs on the pitch with Dan Nadin and Harry Cleworth coming on in the forwards and Jimmy Holland at 9. The pivotal moment of the game was from the kick off with Eccles knocking on from the restart. Referee awarding the scrum to Bolton on the Eccles 22. Indiscipline by an Eccles player changed the scrum to a full penalty to Bolton. Captain Alex Tonge crashed forward and offloaded the ball to winger Nat May who danced around the Eccles defenders and scored. 5-0 to Bolton.

The game then reverted back to the forward struggle with any breaks from Eccles being snuffed out convincingly by Bolton. Ben Knowles and Alex Tonge providing the danger from Bolton with explosive power from rucks but couldn't find a way through for the second score.

Before the game started the message was to play positive rugby and to work as a team. The U16s played with grit and determination and held out to claim a hard victory.

Inline images 1
Slippery Nat May dances through the defence to score.

Inline images 2
Bolton 10 -Jack Philips on the move.