The annual clash between Bolton and Old Boltonians is fast approaching, and if last year’s 59–50 thriller is anything to go by, we’re in for another great contest.
Bolton will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins against the Old Bolts and come into the game off the back of an impressive win against Tyldesley, sealing a respectable 6th-place finish in the league. That said, they’ll be facing a young and lively Old Bolts side, made up mostly of recent leavers from the past five years. Their pack is full of energy and hard carriers, with plenty of players still turning out regularly for clubs or university teams.
Bolton’s own forward pack will be boosted by the return of some familiar faces - Rory Biggins, Connor Orrell, Mason Lockley and James Harris are all back in action. They’ll line up alongside 1st XV regulars Nat Wright, skipper Jonny Wallis, Tom Platt and Vice Captain Dan Aspinall to name a few. The last two players who featured for Old Bolts in this fixture last year, but have since become regulars for the 1st XV.
In the backs, there’s plenty to look forward to. Old Bolts will be looking to get the ball into the hands of last year’s MOTM Matt Boyers, who’ll bring real quality to the midfield. He’ll be up against Bolton’s Josh Holmes, who’s had a brilliant season and will get a run in his preferred position at centre. Another one to watch is Ben Price, who was electric against Tyldesley grabbing two tries and setting up a handful more.
It’s set to be a corker of a game and it’s always great to see some old faces and an excuse to have a drink and a catch up in a busy bar. 1pm KO at Avenue Street, BL1 3AW.