A tough away game to start the season with Littleborough boasting a large squad of girls, with 25 of them available for the game. Bolton could only field 16 players which is their entire squad. They are very much hoping that the current Women's Rugby World Cup will attract more girls to the game in the coming weeks.

This is a new team in the double aged u16s for the new season with a mixture of last year's u16s in their last season at u16s and new girls moving up from the double aged girls' band u14s. Many of the girls playing in different positions so it was all about getting used to those positions and gelling as a new team.

The game was fought very closely in the first half with Bolton losing Sophie R. off with a facial injury when she tackled one of the big Loughborough girls but received an accidental boot in the face. Bridget S. came on to replace Sophie with only 5 minutes on the clock. With no more substitutes on the bench, it was fingers crossed that Bolton didn't sustain any more injuries. Both teams battled hard for the first quarter with strong running from both sets of forwards. Felicity R. carried well, with support from Eleanor S. who was all over the pitch, backed up by Holly T. playing number 8. Littleborough were first to score after sustained pressure on the Bolton line. The conversion was good albeit after it rebounded off the upright. 7-0.

The game continued evenly matched with some good tactical kicking decisions from Iona B. playing at fly half. Betty W. tackling like a trojan. The weather conditions didn't help with heavy rain for long periods making the ball hard to handle. Several knock-ons and losing the ball in contact when Bolton were in a position to score didn't help.

Littleborough scored again after further pressure on the Bolton line which was unconverted. 12-5.

Bolton scored shortly after when Littleborough knocked on their 22 line and Holly T. picked the ball from the base of the scrum, made a run for the line, and popped the ball up to Iona B. off the floor who fought off a couple of tackles to score on the right edge. Iona was unlucky with the conversion with it hitting the crossbar, a great kick from far out. 12-5. Half time came early with another facial injury this time to a Littleborough player from an accidental clash of heads.

The second half was a case of missed chances as Bolton had multiple chances to score. After an excellent kick for touch from Iona, the 5 metre lineout failed to go to hand and Littleborough managed to clear their lines. Littleborough started to introduce fresh legs onto the pitch as the Bolton girls began to tire. Another converted try by the home team left the score at 19-5. Isabel Mc. defended well with some great tackling. Moment of the match when Aisha A. playing full back for the first time and who had been practicing catching high balls that morning, collected a high swirling ball and ran it back into the Littleborough half to the applause of both sets of spectators. Tope O. playing on the wing didn't see a lot of ball but when she did, she was powerful in attack and defence. Silly mistakes cost Bolton dearly and fresh legs from Littleborough and a couple of further injuries to the away side gave the home team the opportunity to score two more tries before the full-time whistle went.

Bolton knew their first game of the season was going to be tough, but all the coaches and parents were very proud of the girls' performance. They worked together as a team and put their bodies on the line. The score line was flattering to the home side and didn't reflect the effort the Bolton girls gave.

The captain's award went to Iona B. Players player was shared between Aisha A. and Eleanor S. The moment of the match went to Aisha A. The coaches award went to Isabel Mc.

Bolton Amazons U16's are still on the lookout for new players. If you are in year 10 or 11 at school get in touch email girls@boltonrugby.co.uk

Next week the girls travel to Fleetwood to play the NW Roses.