Bolton u16s - 29 Heaton Moor U16s - 14

Bolton U16s were able to field a more recognised team with players returning to more of their regular positions and took on a traditional "bogey" team Heaton Moor on a chilly and snowy afternoon.
From the kick off Bolton were more aggressive and played with a high intensity that saw Bolton fly-half Jos Winstanley slip through for the first try within the first 5 minutes. Jos converted the try and a pattern of forward play continued with captain Alex Tonge crashing through the Heaton defence for try number two. Heaton replied with a converted score but couldn't stop the relentless attacking rugby from Bolton. Jack Byrne crashed over from a 5-metre scrum but was adjudged to be held. The Cherry and Whites were moving the ball well and playing simple attacking rugby. Heaton gifted Bolton the next try, with scrum-half Jack Philips pouncing on a loose ball from the visitors metres from the try line and making the half time score 19-7.
The second half started with Heaton on the front foot, and they used the pacy wingers for the first time in the game scoring under the posts. This proved a catalyst for Bolton to come back stronger and harder, Bolton's outside centre Dom Hardy held up over the line.The Heaton team were feeling the pressure and eventual indiscipline gave Bolton a penalty from which they took the 3 points.
Once again in the driving seat, Bolton came in waves, with Harry Round, Brandon Booth dominating the contact area. Darren Robbinson and Ollie Thompson were immense as second-row runners setting up good phases of play. Another penalty awarded to Bolton saw a training ground drill used to perfection, with the big forwards distracting the opposite pack no-one noticed Prop Alex Tonge slip into the backs and take a perfect pop pass to score the decisive try. Final score Bolton 29 - Heaton 14.