Great victory for U16s in the quarter final.

Bolton grind out a hard fought victory in the quarter-final of the Lancashire plate.
In what both sets of coaches wistfully remember as "proper rugby weather" of rain and mud. Rossendale came to the avenue of trees for the rescheduled match. Failure to play here today would result in the fixture being decided by a toss of the coin and neither team wanted that. Early pitch inspection decided the game could be played - the pitch was heavy but not dangerous.
As the match warm up began so did the rain.At kick off the heavens had decided to open up and thats the way it stayed for the rest of the game. Bolton started brighter and the forward pack played the simple game, taking the ball straight and recycling. It wasn't long before the first of many dropped balls and scrums took place.
Both teams were contesting the rucks and both teams struggled with the conditions. but it was Bolton that made the breakthrough with Captain Alex Tonges explosive power and pace breaking through Rossendale tackles to score under the posts.
Issac Woods converting for the lead 7-0 at half time. The referee and coaches decided to carry on with the game, the pitch was muddy but just about playable still.
The second half saw plenty of invention by Bolton, Jimmy Holland at 10 kicking the ball over for the wingers to chase, but the conditions were deteriorating again and even the simplest of backs moves were fraught with danger. Bolton played deep into the Rossendale 22 and forced the visitors to carry the ball over their own line, giving Bolton an attacking 5 metre scrum. From there Harry Round at 8 was unstoppable and crashed over for the second Bolton try.

Rossendale started to get a foothold in the game by kicking and chasing, Bolton wingers having to put the ball out for a Rossendale line out in Boltons 22.
Rossendale decided to have a short line out but overthrew the ball, Alex Tonge gladly catching the ball and bursting through the Rossendale defence. From is own 22 Alex then showed outrageous speed to outpace the entire Rossendale team to score under the posts and secure the victory.Issac converting for the final score of Bolton19- Rossendale -0