Bolton 2nd XV Beaten At Wigan

Once again call ups to the 1st XV had left Bolton stripped to the bare bones with Tom Swift stepping up from the colts to complete the 15. Bolton knew that they would be in for a tough time of it at their local rivals and it was to prove another long day at the office similar to the week before at Kirkby Lonsdale.

Anyway before the doom and gloom set in Bolton made a very enterprising start with strong runs and carries from Turner and Ormes alike and some favourable refereeing saw Bolton camped in the opposition 22 enjoying some decent spells of possession. All of the Bolton forwards made good ground all day long with individual carries and some very technical line out catch and drives from Cheetham who shone like a beacon in the line out throughout the afternoon.

However Bolton could not find their killer touch to try and cross the whitewash even when the Bolton backs ran a superb miss move that saw Evans hauled down close to the corner, the Wigan defence held resolute. It was to Wigan's credit that they maintained their composure and broke the deadlock with a good score from their ever dangerous winger who was possibly the largest player on the pitch. Bolton twice allowed him to break the gain line and some weak tackling led to Bolton conceding two scores in rapid succession.

Bolton regrouped and went back at the Wigan defence with the scrum turning the screw and winning ball against the head, the line out functioning well, Bolton were getting some good quality ball. Unfortunately one loose scrum led to the Wigan pack impishly stealing the ball against the head and as they used the turnover to good effect they crossed the line once more before half time.

Captain Marriot chose his words carefully at half time - however Bolton again struggled to get any momentum in going forward throughout the second half. Debutant Valentine persevered all afternoon but as Wigan introduced fresh legs even the Bolton pack began to lose ground to the opposition and Wigan crossed for a further 4 scores. Bolton stayed resolute and upbeat and are looking forward to the visit of Littleborough next Saturday.

Kind Regards,
Fat Hooker / Prop