Ashton u16s - 29 - Bolton U16s - 5

Bolton played the first game since the 6th November in rainy and wet conditions away to a strong Ashton team. Bolton again had to field a much changed side with many players playing out of position.
Starting in typical post-Christmas style, a lethargic Bolton were under pressure and were slow to react to attacks from the Ashton scrum leading to an early try for Ashton. Their high intensity counter rucking game was starving Bolton of any decent possession and they were quickly ahead again. Boltons forwards worked hard in the contact areas and started to win important turn overs.
Boltons only try came from some great work from the forwards, recycling the ball from multiple phases allowed Jack Byrne space to run half the length of the pitch.This seemed to spark the Cherry and Whites but treacherous conditions and slippery ball denied Bolton a platform to build from.
The second half was a tighter game with Bolton spending a lot of time in the Ashton half but unable to get quick clean ball from the contact area. Overall the final score of 29-5 didn't reflect how close this game actually was.A great effort from Bolton and many positives to take from the game.