U12's - Creditable draw with good opponents

Half term saw Bolton missing 8 regular players and as luck would have it Vale's half term is next week. From the start we were up against a strong, well drilled pack with some pacey backs outside. Despite most of the early territorial advantage being with Vale a good steal and solid team play saw Josh Bentley-Hughes put Bolton 1 try up. Vale replied almost immediately. Louis Ramm then continued his 6 match try scoring run but once again Vale hit back.
With a howling gale favouring Vale, Bolton did superbly to keep the 2nd quarter scoreless.
Then, with the wind back in our favour both Josh & Louis added tries to see us 4-2 up when the period was truncated following a Vale supporter coming on to berate (his own) referee.
The final quarter saw Vale score 3 tries against a visibly wilting Bolton team but a thoughtful change of tactics, with Jack Good gaining territory by sending flat kicks into the teeth of the gale saw Bolton at the right end to snatch a draw. A penalty for not releasing against Vale saw Josh held up just short but excellent rucking saw the ball spirited to Daniel McGuinness who added his customary try.