Cold and windy...

With the recent bad weather the Bolton U12s were not certain the three way game against Fleetwood and hosts Value of Lune would take place. An early call Sunday morning confirmed the games were on. The weather in Lancaster was windy and cold, but dry.

Bolton had a number of experienced players missing, but put forward a highly motivated squad that knew they were up against two of the better teams in Lancashire. Jake Rimmer as Captain lead the team against Fleetwood, that saw Bolton produce some of the most dominant set pieces this season. Although the packs seemed a similar size, the Bolton forwards won almost every scrum with ease. With our regular hookers not available George Whitehead played two full games back to back and showed exceptional determination and skill.

The second row of Joshua Padmore and Tom Simpson were dominant in the breakdown showing high levels of commitment in attack and defence and as always Sean Carragher showed the opposition that Bolton’s defence is solid. The game wasn’t all about Bolton’s forwards. Centre Myles Garth and winger Joe Cropper once again showed that they have the speed and ability to score from almost anywhere on the field. Not wishing to be left out Ben Harrop also showed a good turn of speed on the wing, showing his ability to exploit tiny gaps in defence.

Tries were scored by Joe Cropper, Myles Garth, Sean Carragher and Tom Simpson.

After a short break Bolton U12s faced the hosts Vale of Lune. Some minor changes to the Bolton team did not weaken their performance. Within minutes Captain Jake Rimmer kicked the ball above the opposition giving Myles Garth the time and space to run in a further try. It soon became clear that the Vale of Lune had some skilled backs and were able to move the ball quickly. However, they looked surprised when once again our defence limited their options. Again, Bolton’s forwards controlled the set pieces with Joe Webster playing an active roll in ‘bossing’ his opposite number 8. Great drive and support in the rucks and mauls was provided by Oliver McKeown and Connah Mansfield both being instrumental in ensuring Bolton’s backs were gifted a clean ball.

The Vale of Lune understanding they were unable to penetrate our defence by running at Bolton decided to kick a few high balls and provided Bolton with a few tactical challenges, this included high kicks in squally conditions. The pressure placed on Bolton’s fullback Lawson Bates failed to generate any advance to the Vale of Lune as he took the opportunity to take the highball, run directly back and penetrate the Vale of Lune’s defence. Tries cored by: Myles Garth, James Harris and Joshua Padmore.

Man of the match: Myles Garth.