On a day which could be described as the ‘perfect’ conditions to play rugby ended in disappointment for a youthful Bolton Rugby 1XV containing 13 homegrown players!

Bolton welcomed their closest neighbours to the Theatre of Trees for what was always going to be a challenging and physical game for both sides with both teams. This is something that certainly rang true in the opening stages of the game with both teams entering into an arm wrestle for the first ten minutes of the game.

For the first 10 minutes the game followed a very similar pattern, strong running from both teams only for a mistake or missed opportunity resulting in possession turning over. Some early good defending from Bolton kept Aspull out and disruptive lineout jumping from the visitors disrupting either team. The first score of the game came from Aspull who scored a nice try out wide following some good running and passing out the back from their back line. Try unconverted.

Bolton were dealt a further blow when number 10 Luke McMahon had to leave the field with a groin injury. This left Bolton without any recognised 10’s and kickers in the team with both regular kickers either away or injured. This would ultimately prove to be a deciding factor in the game.

For the next 10 minutes, Bolton worked well to try to break down the Aspull defence and the breakthrough came in the 20 minute when Ryan McClusky touched down following some strong running and pick and go’s from the Bolton pack. With no recognised kicker on the field, stand-in fly half Jack Robinson pushed the kick just wide. 5-5.

From the resulting restart Aspull managed to camp down in the Bolton 22 and when awarded a penalty in the front of the sticks, their 15 duly converted. In what can only be described as a pea roller of a restart, Jack Robinson made contact with the floor a whole minute before he made contact with the ball. After a brief delay, the ball trickled over the 10m line to the waiting Aspull player to get the game started again. Following a few one up carries, Aspull yet again pinned Bolton back with some pin point kicking.

The next score came from Aspull who having been in and out of the Bolton 22 for a number of phases found themselves in front of the Bolton Clubhouse on the 5m line. A classic and exquisite lineout move (front man turn, catch and run) which ultimately left the Bolton forwards grounded resulted in a try in the corner for the visitors. An excellent kick from the Aspull 15 from the touch line pushed the visitors further into the lead.

Bolton then spent the majority of the remainder of the half with ball in hand in the opposition half, often gaining penalties but being unable to capitalise on them. A lack of recognised kicker from both the tee and out of hand really hindering the home side, something that was glaringly clear when Bolton arguably went backwards when kicking for touch for a penalty on one occasion. However, one positive to take away from the game was the consistency and strength of Bolton’s scrum set piece. Half time followed soon after.

Following the restart to the game, Aspull regained possession of the ball and following a few phases converted a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking. Following this, it did look as though Bolton may get back into the game, spending a large amount of the game in the visitors 22. Strong running from the forwards and some moves from the back resulted in Bolton being held up over the line on 2+ occasions, only to be denied by some good defending and inconclusive evidence of the ball being grounded. This seemed to be continue until quick turnover, long kick and a lucky bounce for Aspull allowed their winger to run the ball in under the sticks for another converted try.

Bolton did manage to get back into the game following some good running from Chris Lane and Paul Leigh in the centre field, a quick snipe and offload by Kieran Shacklock got Bolton back into the 22. A few phases later and an offload from Ryan McClusky to Milo Holmes set up a try in the corner.

With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, it all seemed a little too little too late. Bolton remained in the opposition half but just couldn’t break through the Aspull defence. Both teams receiving a yellow in the last ten minutes meant that both teams finished the game with 14 men.

A disappointing result from a very physical and well fought game. Bolton look towards league leaders Widnes away next weekend and will need to really up their game if they are to bring anything away from the Cheshire club. A huge thank you to Aspull for the game and good luck for the remainder of the season and we look forward to our return visit to Emu Park.

MOTM: Unsure - Probably Ross despite being away (Lou Critchlow)

PICTURE: Bolton RUFC 1st XV with our friends at Bolton RLFC before the match.