All change for Bolton U12s

After the challenging session at warrington last week, the boys entered into a development squad session against 25 plus boys from Glossop, Marple and Aspull, despite the exotic locations from across the North West, the rugby was played at full pace and with lots of enthusiasm.

First up was Bolton versus Marple and Glossop combined. Bolton took a while to adapt to unfamiliar positions and were sluggish in defence and attack. Inevitably the opposition took the lead, and the Bolton boys struggled to assert dominance until Jaime Lambert sneaked of to level the scores. Not to be outdone, Tom Simpson smashed his way over to gain the lead against the run of play for Bolton. The opposition pulled back a score and it was down to Owen Lewis to shake off the lethargy and cross over for the winner at the death. Owen kicked all his goals to give the boys a 21-12 win but it was a close match and the new boys finally came up against opposition who stifled them at every opportunity.

Next up Aspull hosted Marple and Glossop, supported by the towering second row of Josh Podmore and James Harris, and the smaller but perfectly formed front row of Connah Mansfield and Oliver “Newboy” - so new we haven’t yet found out his surname yet. At the back was James Sharples in the first half, with Owen Lewis stepping into the frame for the second. Big applause to Josh for scoring the sole Aspull try in a 3 try to 1 defeat, all the Bolton boys playing well with their Aspull teammates.

Final session was Bolton against Aspull and several Glossop and Marple boys, whose outside centre had been outstanding in the first game against Bolton. As in the first match, the Glossop boys stretched Bolton out wide and some hurried tackling by Owen Lewis and Joseph Cropper prevented another turnover form the start.

With Sean Carragher and Lewis Picton putting some experience in the forwards, and Owen Lewis in at stand off, normal service soon resumed and Bolton moved the ball out wide to the delight of Myles Garth and Joe Cropper, who both bagged a brace of typical long range blockbusting tries. Sean Carragher danced his way over for a try with his buddy Lewis Picton forcing him over as he stopped for a break. Owen added another and it was looking like game over for Aspull. Slick handling sent James Harris over for his first try in the Bolton colours. The final whistle blew early after a debut try for new boy Oliver, who dodged his way full length down the touch line in a manner totally inappropriate for a member of the front row community.

Final score 8 tries to nil for the boys - Owen kicked all but one on a successful day of rugby despite a few scares.

Man of the match to Josh Podmore - after a great set of stud marks on his head and a few concussion checks from our mass of medical professionals on the touch line, he raised his game to score his first try and keep up his steep rugby learning curve.