A last second 90 metre, length of the pitch interception try by Warrington’s Josh Riley broke Bolton hearts at Grappenhall Sports Club on Saturday afternoon.

The full time score doesn’t quite do justice to a spirited Bolton team that was humbled in last weeks Cup tie at Southport.

On a firm pitch and trailing 17-0 at half time Bolton looked to be facing back to back defeats. The home team were on top thanks to some assured passing moves and tackle bursting direct running.

The hot and humid conditions had seen Bolton reduced to 14 men following a yellow card for a deliberate knock down. They also had what looked like a certain try by second row Miracle Gospel quite rightly disallowed for a forwarded pass in the final minute of the half.

It would have been quite easy for Bolton heads to have dropped during the break. The opposite was true and following an inspired team talk by 1st team coach, Richard Rawlinson, Bolton started the second half by far the more better team.

They Bolton scrum and line out had dominated for most of the first half. Unfortunately the passing game had failed to get into top gear. Things changed after the restart.

Two unanswered tries from Bolton’s man of the match Ross Hayden and Jack Robinson rewarded some first class tactical kicking and slick handling across the full width of the pitch. On the hour Bolton trailed a nervy home side by 17 - 14.

Belief flooded through the Bolton team and their pressure resulted in 3 converted penalties by kicker Hayden and a lead of 20-17.

With 2 minutes left on the clock Bolton were pinned on their own line but defending with all they had to keep a revitalised Warrington at bay.

Eventually the pressure breached the Bolton defensive line and a try in the far corner gave the home team a slim 22-20 lead with literally seconds left on the clock.

From the kick off Bolton somehow regained possession and set about the Warrington line for the final play of the match. Bolton pressed with wave after wave of slick handing and were camped on the Warrington try line. What a finish! What a game!

Well done to both teams and to the referee who kept the game moving throughout. The only negative for Bolton was what looked like a serious shoulder injury to Ross Hayden in the final few minutes.

Bolton’s first home game of the season takes place on Saturday the 10th of September at Avenue Street at 3pm. The visitors, for what is sure to be a try packed afternoon, are near neighbours Aldwinians. The club house will be open for food and a few drinks from 1pm and all are welcome.

Bolton Team versus Warrington: Lane; Biggins; Ashdown; McLaughlin; Gospel; Critchlow; Evans T; Orrell; Howie; Bate; Steel; Robinson; Evans S; Holmes; Hayden. Subs Franks; Crook.