A 10 try extravaganza of a game saw a youthful and home grown Bolton team start 2023 with a bang.
Bolton welcomed the visiting alickadoo from Sefton with an exceptional, winter warmer of a meal,prepared by master chef Tom Macdonald. Little did we know that the dessert would be a game of such top quality rugby from the home town’s young guns.

Bolton’s coaches, Rawlinson and Postlethwaite, were delighted that the hard yards put in during training sessions were beginning to bear fruit in the heat of battle. Prior to the game they had impressed on their young charges that this was a Sefton team who had lost both of their last two Games, against the top two teams in the league, by a single point.

The game, sponsored by eCapital Commercial Finance, was a contest that contained everything that is good about the game of rugby. Two teams playing the game without fear, the ball being passed along the offensive line at breakneck speed, tough and fair tackling and some outstanding finishing from both sides. The referee played his part and was rightly lauded by all concerned at the end.

Amazingly, Bolton kicked off in perfectly dry conditions, with the sun darting, much like Bolton’s Simon Steel, in and out of the gathering clouds, and bathing the enthusiastic crowd in sunshine.

Bolton began the game like an express train. Their first try came after just 4 minutes and by the 33rd minute they had secured a fourth try bonus point and were leading a shell-shocked Sefton by 34-0.

Their third was the try of the game with the move starting from just inside the Bolton half. Fast and direct running, assured passing and selfless support play led to Bolton’s Kieron Shacklock scorching across the Sefton try line.

A Josh Holmes wonder try, followed by Jack Robinson breaking 4 tackles to score under the posts, left the half time score an amazing 41-0. “When was the last time” was the topic of conversation on most people’s lips during the break.

The second half was a much more even affair. All credit to Sefton who refused to buckle and took the game to their hosts. Even though they trailed by more than 40 points at half time Sefton came out for the second half, guns blazing, to win it by three tries to two.

Their second try was a joy to behold. The ball was passed from one touchline to the other, through multiple pairs of Sefton hands for a try right in the corner.
Bolton’s player of the match, Ross Hayden, scored his hat trick try and left the field having
contributed 33 points to his teams total.

This was Bolton’s best display of the season. They defended well and their disciplined approach kept the penalty count down. The hard work on the training pitch is blossoming on match days.

There are eight more games and 40 points up for grabs to the end of the season. One thing is for certain, it’s going to be quite a ride.

Bolton team: Lane, Ashdown, Hilton, McLaughlin, Robinson (M), Evans, Orrell, Bate, Howie, Price, Steel, Robinson(J), Shackleton, Holmes (J), Hayden. Subs: Clarke, Holmes (M), Walker.

The next game at Avenue Street will be against table-toppers Didsbury on Saturday the 14th of January at the winter kick-off time of 2.15pm. It is certain to be a cracker and everyone attending is encouraged to make plenty of noise. Food and beverages are available before the game and all are welcome. Full details are available on the Bolton RUFC website.