Strength in depth

Bolton managed a match in South Manchester 20 hours after the first team match was cancelled. The boys played a very strong and dour combined Trafford and Broughton park outfit. From the start the forwards hammered into the opposition in a much improved rucking game. With a wealth of ball Joe Cropper and Myles Garth battered the opposition line. Fair play to Trafford as they defended well and scrambled to snuff out the threat time and again.

Eventually, the referee penalised Trafford for offside in the loose, and Jake Rimmer threw a wide ball out for Joe to open the scoring. Bolton annihilated the larger opposition scrum, with Ethan Greenwood, Oliver McKeown and Sean Carragher managing to win scrum ball despite the feed almost into the second row by the opposition.

Lewis Picton increased the score with a short drive over in the corner, and the boys looked set for a large win. This was a signal for the boys to rest on their laurels, and Trafford kicked into life with two crash over tries from their large and powerful second row, reminding Bolton how it feels to be bulldozed by a powerful and fast player.

With a long clearance kick putting Lawson Bates under pressure, and a Trafford line out on the 22, it looked like game over and a victory for Trafford. James Harris leapt high and was met on the way down by his second row partner Lewis. Remembering the coaching drills from mid week, Lewis tightened the maul and drove down the line at pace with Sean, Oliver, Ethan and James in the van. Pressure released, and Owen Lewis shipped the ball wide for Joe Cropper to have a chance in open play. Joe bounced four players, cut inside and left the opposition for dead to put the boys ahead. Inspired by this Owen launched Myles time and time again, only for him to be forced out by a desperate defence on a very narrow pitch. Lewis finally forced through the defence, and offloaded to his open play partner Sean, who waltzed over the seal the game. Trafford were finally broken and another drive downfield at the end was a simple stroll over for Sean to gain his brace for the day.

Man of the match to Oliver, stepping up to a scrum and being outweighed massively, yet he has worked on his technique and dominated throughout. Final score 35-14, prop forward Sean even managing to convert his own try for the second week in succession.

When the Bolton babes gain more rugby experience they will surely deliver on their fledgling promise. A funny day. No tries for the Garth, a few wrong options, and the usual heroes pulled the cat out of the bag at the death. I find it hilarious when parents are apologising for boys missing tackles and being out of position, then looking happier when I remind them that some boys have only been playing for two and a half months.

Tyldesley next week, a tough set of rugby league bolstered boys with years of experience, hopefully raw talent and a great team spirit will win through again.