Bolton entertained a 13 man St Benedicts squad at Avenue Street on Saturday afternoon. Bolton won the toss and opted to kick first and within 3 minutes Bolton’s Jack Robinson scored a try after Kieran Shatlock was brought down agonisingly close to the line.

Upon the restart Bolton opted for the scrum, with Jack Robinson feeding the ball to Will Bate who drew the St Benedict's centre and winger to aid Simon Steel fly down the right flank. Steel then drew the fullback and provided Will Bate with possession to secure Bolton’s second try within the first 5 minutes of the game.

The following 20 minutes saw a very even spell for both sides, whereby St Benedict’s looked dangerous in possession with an aggressive offloading game and dynamic forward carries.

A strong St Benedicts kept the Bolton side busy however the toll of only having 13 men was starting to take its toll. The Bolton side took full advantage and starved the St Benedicts team of possession. This saw Bolton re-establish dominance, and run in three further tries before the curtains were drawn on the first half – Jack Robinson with a quick tap and some slinky footwork to go over from 5 metres out, Kieran Shatlock who found some space on the outside down the left touchline and put foot to metal to score under the posts, and just before the close of play in the first half Will Bate scored yet another great try.

Half time saw Bolton dominating the play and the score at 35-0.

The second half saw a confident Bolton provide a show of dominance partly due to some great rugby from the Bolton team, but also due to St Benedict’s under-manned squad tiring.

A further 4 tries were scored for Bolton, with Jack Robinson attempting each of the conversions. Simon Steel and Will Bate continued to hit the score sheet again and off the back of some solid attacking work from the likes of Mark Chappelhowe and Paul Leigh.

Bolton’s front row of Dave O’Byrne, Danny Taylor and Jake Rimmer secured every set piece whether it be scrum or lineout.

Not to be left out, Bolton’s back rowers conducted business efficiently and destructively, securing turnover ball and carried well all game.

Around the 70 minute mark both captains agreed with the referee to call it a day under the setting sun at Avenue Street, as there was nothing for either side to gain playing on other than potential injuries. Final score 63-0 to Bolton.

A long trip for St Benedicts and despite having a light team they provided Bolton with a great game and each of their players showed grit and determination right through to the final whistle.

Bolton’s next 1st XV game at Avenue Street will be on Saturday 12th March at 3pm.