Back to Winning Ways

Bolton entertained Sefton on Saturday at The Avenue. It was the re-launch of the Women’s Rugby Team as well as the Club’s ‘Sponsors Day’.
The Cherry and Whites have not been in action for the last three weeks. In the previous two games Bolton were defeated by Bowden and Kersal, so this was an important fixture to showcase what they could do.
Understandably, Bolton were a bit slow to start the game but Sefton showed good spirit in both the tackle and the breakdown. Bolton worked hard to get into good positions but gave away needless penalties which allowed Sefton back into the game. Louis Lockett converted two penalties in the fifteenth and twenty-second minute for Bolton to lead 6-0. Bolton had a couple of really good chances to score and were denied via great tackling from Sefton or not passing the ball to someone in space. However, Bolton were dominating both the scrum and line-out. This pressure led to Bolton’s first try. Louis Lockett made a very good break and then off-loaded the ball to Chris Cockton, who charged over to score. Louis Lockett added the conversion.
Half-time score: Bolton 13 Sefton 0
Bolton started the second half in earnest. In the forty-fourth minute Bolton had a line-out just inside the Sefton twenty-two. The ball was thrown in and the forwards set up a driving maul and drove all the way to the try line with Niall Murphy controlling the maul and scoring the try. It was a great effort from the Forwards! Sefton converted a penalty in the fifty-first minute. The Cherry and Whites defence was dominating play and a big hit by Niall Murphy dislodged the ball and quick hands to Will Bate, Will charged through the gap and passed to Mark Aspinall who went over for the try. In the sixty-sixth minute Bolton had a five-metre scrum. A solid scrum led to a pick up by Gaz Pritchard and he crashed over to score. Mike Mills added the conversion. Bolton’s fifth try, was the best of the game. In the seventy-sixth minute Rhys Pritchard fielded the ball and started a ‘mazy run’ through the opposition. He linked up with Will Bate; some great inter-passing ensured Will Bate put Steve Hickey into space so he scored in the corner. Mike Mills added the conversion.
Final score: Bolton 37 Sefton 3
Bolton took a bit of time to get going in the game. In the second half they showed the type of rugby they can play. It was obvious that the whole side played with more self-belief. This was reflected in the way the tries were executed. Skilful performances from individuals contributed to an effective winning team performance.
Man of the Match: Rhys Pritchard