Bolton Amazons rugby union team played Trafford MV in the plate final of the Lancashire and Cheshire girls celebration day held at Chester Rugby Club last Sunday. This was the third year playing in the competition and having won their finals the last two years, they were hoping for a third. Their opposition Trafford are a strong solid team, well drilled so Bolton knew it would be a tough encounter.

Who knew it was going to be a game of two halves.

With a squad of 19 players available Bolton started the game well, catching the opposition napping and within 5 mins they were on the scoreboard after Amelia C Linked with the back line from her full back position to score the first points of the game.

Iona B was unable to convert the conversion in the wind.

The slope of the pitch was in Bolton's favour. The girls were playing good attacking rugby, the forwards kept possession of the ball for the backs who played it wide whenever possible.

Iona B, Megan H, Isabel McN, Tope O , Clarissa H and Amelia C playing in the backs were throwing the ball around well.

Felicity R, Libby B and Charlotte S kept the scrum stable with Sophie R (Captain), Holly T and Eleanor S were ever present in the rucks and mauls.

Bolton were soon on the score sheet again with Amelia C and Iona B both scoring before the first water break after some great backs play. Maisey M went onto the wing to replace Tope O. Isabel McN and Clarissa H playing in the backs, and Lacey M made some good driving runs and tackled well to keep the powerful TMV runners at bay. Lily P, Scarlett D and Evie E taking turns at second row never let the scrums weaken.

Half time came around and the score was 24-5 to Bolton.

Now it was Trafford's turn to use the slope of the pitch. Trafford MV started to increase the pressure on the Bolton team. Great driving runs from their star players Emily and Scarlett kept punching holes in the Bolton defence and they started to claw their way back into the game.

Within minutes TMV were on the scoreboard with two tries after Bolton's defence was camped on its own line. Bolton couldn't seem to get out of their own 22 for long spells until a fantastic backs move involving Megan H, Eilidh B and Isabel McN put Amelia C once again on the right edge and there was no one stopping her as she scored her 4th try of the game. Iona B pushed Bolton slightly further ahead with a great solo try. Juniper P came on and considering it was only the second game she played she did really well.

The last few minutes were tense as TMV reduced the difference in the scoreline.

The final whistle went just after TMV scored their last try. The final score was 36-29 to Bolton. A very evenly and hard fought game.

Coaches' player and players' player went to Amelia C. Captain's player and opposition's player went to Iona B.

Congratulations to all the girls in the squad and a fitting end to a successful season for the Bolton Amazons u16s girls.