26th January 2020

Bury U16s v Bolton U16s
Friendly
Bury 19 Bolton 22

Tries Hopkinson, McDermott, Basnett, Keogh, Atherton
Conversions Price x1
Penalty Kicks

A visit to Bury meant a first reunion with former player George Jackson for Bolton under 16s , but as this was Burns week, auld acquaintance was forgot (and never brought to mind) once play got under way in a keenly fought local derby as the lead changed hands several times amidst cold and wet conditions.

Bolton had the better of a lively opening spell, but Bury drew first blood on seven minutes powering over after a period of pressure play.

Undaunted, Bolton pulled a try back just three minutes later as Memphis Basnett took a great attacking line receiving the ball from the breakdown and finding enough space in the Bury defence to get through and score. Bolton then took the lead on the quarter hour when centre Harry McDermott scored a try through power and determination.

As an end to end half progressed, Bury retook the lead on 21 minutes as a quickly taken penalty left Bolton flat footed, but again only three minutes later flanker Oliver Keogh pounced onto a loose ball to touch down for the cherry and white’s third try , duly converted by captain Ben Price.

Yet again, Bolton’s lead was to be short lived as a spell of pressure led to a Bury penalty for a collapsed maul five yards from the try line and a smash through left Bury with a slim 19 to 17 point lead at the break..

After a first half full of points and attacking play , the second half was an intriguing show of defensive play, as the Bury defence thwarted a lengthy period of Bolton pressure through several phases.

There was little Bury could do, though as number eight Sam Atherton pounced on to a loose ball to score the only points of the second half.

The final 20 minutes were Bolton’s turn to show defensive prowess as they shut up shop against a Bury side who only needed one score to snatch the win. Heroic tackles from all parts of the team frustrated the Home side through normal time and then a full five minutes of injury time and as the referee signalled the final play, Bolton gratefully kicked the ball into touch to take the win.

Final score Bury 19 Bolton 22