Having seen many junior games of rugby over the years, you may find that some matches where a team “doesn’t turn up” a one sided game may ensue. On Sunday 17th March 2024 we had no such problem. Two teams left absolutely everything on the pitch, much to the joy of the many proud family and club members in attendance.

The game was played in a great spirit on a slightly soggy pitch, in typical late winter conditions. With that in mind, some of the handling and wonderful running on display you would think we were in the midst of summer.

Tarleton started the game well, their powerful forwards making good metres through the guts of the Bolton pack. This continued and Tarleton scored their first try, in the corner from close range. Just short with the conversion. 5-0.

Bolton then lost their star fullback Remi M for a period after receiving a high shot which led to Bolton gaining some ground from the ever reliable boot of Oliver W. After some hard fought phases Chris F with his usual powerful & elusive running managed to bust a few tackles and score his first of two tries under the posts. Cam with the conversion 5-7.

The game then ebbed and flowed for a while, Bolton struggling to contain the excellent Tarleton scrum. Some massive hits from the Bolton centre's captain Cam S & his midfield partner Josh K seemed to stem the tide of the Tarleton wave.

Some pressure from the Bolton pack led to a penalty, a quick tap from Chris F and he fearlessly powered over for his second try. Conversion missed 5-12.

Some notable runs by Bolton's second row engine room Lewis H & Tom S complimented by the excellent back row work of Harrison F, Chris F, George B and Blayke W.

Tarleton’s power in the tight was always a problem for Bolton and it showed with another hard earned try from close range, again in the corner. Conversion missed 10-12

Half time.

From the kick off both teams went at it, Bolton worked the ball up the pitch. Some fine offloading, the ball eventually finding its way to the ever willing hard running Nick T to score in the corner. Cam just short with a difficult conversion 10 -17.

Bolton’s scrum did improve as the match went on, James F, Jude M, Flynn S & Joel T interchanging well either side of the ever impressive Jayden B.

Tarleton worked their way up the pitch with some great picking and driving and got a well deserved score under the posts, Converted 17-17.

Bolton’s back three were made to work hard going both ways with some steel like defence Zach H to be commended!

After a period of exhausting action, played more like an end to end basketball match, Bolton scored the pick of their tries, good ball meant scrum half Jack R could get the ball out to their backs, some quick hands 40 metres out led to Ollie S scoring a scintillating picture book try under the sticks. Conversion missed. 17-22.

Many would think the game had been won at this point but putting their maul to work the Tarleton boys got some great field position and charged over from close range again. Tricky conversion missed. 22-22

The game continued in the same hectic fashion, Bolton just short after a great break from Josh, matched only by the tackle inches from the try line. The last 5 minutes of the game was tense for Bolton, consistent pressure from the Tarleton maul eventually stopped just metres short of the Bolton line.

As the ref blew the whistle, the boys from both sides were rightly applauded by all in attendance. The future of grassroots rugby is in good hands if clubs can continue to produce the quality of young men seen today in West Lancashire!