Most of Bolton's U16's players 'New years resolution' was to play a game of rugby.
With only 4 matches played since Oct 2015 due to weather and opposition teams crying off, the players were itching to play.

So when the call came from hosts Heaton Moor RUFC after an early morning pitch inspection that the pitches were playable the smiles returned to the players faces.

As this was a league game Bolton travelled to Stockport with a squad of 21 for this later than normal KO time of 1130am.

The home side had struggled all week to get a referee so after a plea from them to help, Bolton ref, Neil Liles agreed to make the trip to Stockport at the last minute to allow the game to go ahead. A big thanks goes out to Neil for this great gesture.

20 minutes before KO the rain started once again which was going to put pay to a running game of rugby.

Bolton's front row consisted of Abdullah Hussein, Conor McGauphey and Tom Crook.
Second row was Owen Patel with Rivington and Blackrod High School team mate Vice captain Matthew Moore.
Back row wasAlex Greenhalgh, Alfie Kay shored at number 8 by Bolton School's Morgan Skeels-Caldwell. Milo Holmes started at 9 with backs Ben Turner at 10, Kier Kernick at 12, Kane Lyons at 13 with wingers Sam Dawson and Josh Grundy. Full back was James Evans.

The game started with both teams trying to work out each other's strengths and weaknesses. Both teams seemed well matched particularly as the conditions were playing a part in the game.

That was until Bolton pressured up the right wing and after several off loads, involving Morgan, and Sam Dawson on the wing who passed inside to Connor McGaughey who went under the posts uncontested for Bolton's first try. This was converted by Ben Turner.

Bolton started to get the upper hand and two minutes later Alfie Kay burst through the Heaton Moor defence to score which was converted this time by James Evans.

The Bolton forwards began to dominate their opposition and this paid off when vice Captain Matthew Moore scored under a pile of bodies. Ben Turner converted the try.

On 24 minutes a Heaton Moor forward took a knock to his nose and had to leave the field of play. Bolton capitalised after Milo Holmes scored just prior to half time to make the score 0 v 26 to Bolton.

6 changes were made at half time with Sam Seddon and Jordan Hurst coming onto the wings. Dylan Harney came on at 8 for his debut in that position. James Mc Dowell replaced Milo at 9.
Cameron Richardson came on for Owen Patel at second row. Harry Dawber replaced Abdullah at prop. Abdullah switched sides to play for the opposition after their player could not return. James Evans switched to centre whilst Josh Grundy went to full back and Kier left the field.

Heaton Moor took advantage of all these changes and soon scored in the second half but we're not able to convert the try.
Conditions worsened in the second half and several mistakes were made before Bolton took control again scoring through Kane Lyons converted by Ben.

Bolton finished off the game with a sweet move involving Ben Turner at 10 and James Evans in the centres running a great line to open up the Heaton Moor defence to score a kick able conversion. But James took too long to take the kick and it was disallowed .

Final score Heaton Moor 5 v 35* Bolton

Player of the match went to Connor McGaughey
Most contribution to Morgan Skeels Caldwell
Best Tackler award went to prop Tom Crook

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