It just doesn't get much better...

Bolton played a three club four way with two Warrington teams and Preston at Moore rugby club.

Needless to say Warrington played well in the first two games with mixed a and b sides proving a strong test as expected from one of the premier teams in the county. Bolton lost the first match three tries to nil but this didn't reflect the possession and field position that bolton had for long periods in the game. But for a few missed tackles in midfield and a strange decision on the Warrington line after a thirty metre driving maul, it could have been much closer.

The second game was a different affair with Lewis Picton crashing down field to open the scoring for Bolton in the first half. Despite many penalties going against the boys the immense tackling effort of Sean Carragher smashed the Warrington runners back time after time. Not to be outdone, Owen Lewis and Tom McNulty also tackled hard to keep the tires at bay. Eventually Warrington broke through to equalise, so at half time it was one try apiece. It was time for the usual Myles Garth try fest to start, and he was learning that today's opposition would need more effort to break free and score. From a series of quick balls by Jude Hill, Jake Rimmer and man of the match Owen Lewis, Myles was free to stretch his legs and power over to give the boys the lead. It was getting tense, and Warrington started to capitalise on errors from the nervy Bolton boys. Inevitably Warrington equalised at the death, but it was a great team game from the 19 boys in red white and black.

On came Preston for a finale with two tired sides looking to gain the upper hand. Preston were much stronger in the pack this year, and their large stand off cum centre was always looking to crash through the Bolton line. A switch of Jake Rimmer to stand off and Owen Lewis at inside centre instead of Jake seemed to add some width and vision to the Bolton back line. Sharp handling and good communication from Jake enabled Owen space to dodge and weave amongst the Preston backs, and his unselfish play and great off loads freed Myles Garth to wreak havoc and score two powerhouse tries.

Two tries up and an uphill incline faced the boys in the final half, twice Jake Rimmer drilled the ball between the Preston back line and their full back, enabling the boys to scramble and turn the white preston tide. Preston pulled a try back, and the coaches thought pressure could have turned the game against our boys. A great cover tackle by captain and impromptu full back Tom Platt saved a certain try. Finally, Owen Lewis had different ideas about the winners, and he made one last effort to put Myles over to seal the game and earn a rare victory against one of our bogey teams.

Thanks boys, 6 substitutes rolling on at half time in every game and still you managed to keep your formation and play to the patterns we are coaching. Cover tackling was good and the scrum halves had a smooth hassle free day courtesy of the big boys.

Photo was of Tom platt with a big tackle on Warrington.