Bolton U16s were due to play at home, but a flooded pitch meant that the fixture was reversed to Rossendale , where the pitch was scarcely any better. A late pitch inspection confirmed that the game would go ahead, although Rossendale only had 13 players and so Bolton reduced their team to suit, which caused havoc with the game plan.

The pitch was very heavy which made wing play difficult and kicking a waste of time, and so the game was to be dominated by forward play, rucking and the drive. Rossendale had the advantage in this department with a big forward unit, which proved to be decisive.

It was a tight first quarter with opportunities for both sides. Great tackling work from Tom Jenkinson and Logan Singleton was backed up with tireless work from Harry McDermott and Leon Hodson at centre, while captain Ben Price teamed up well with scrum half Josh Moore to keep the ball on the move as much as conditions allowed.

The deadlock was broken with a driven and converted try from Rossendale. Bolton used their substitutes and Oliver Keogh added some steel to the attack, resulting in a good passing move finished well by McDermott as he stretched for the line in one of his best displays for Bolton.

Things remained finely balanced until just before half time when a strong drive from the Rossendale pack was pushed over, to leave Bolton 12-5 down at the break.

A highly entertaining second half full of incident and muscular youth Rugby followed , played in a fantastic spirit by both sides in awful conditions. Rossendale managed to extend their lead, but there were opportunities at both ends despite some Bolton injuries disrupting their organisation. The match was tighter than the 17-5 scoreline suggests and Bolton played their full part in a highly enjoyable game of Rugby.

Rossendale 17 Bolton 5