Bolton Under 14's overcome Fylde Development team

Bolton U14's entertained a Fylde development side at home this week. With 5 regular players missing and two no shows Bolton had a squad of 19 to choose from.

Harry Dawber came into the team at prop with Owen Patel slotting into the second row position. Morgan Skeels-Caldwell moved to number 8 in the absence of Dan Southworth. Joe Fraser-Taylor played wing forward for the first time with Tom Crook the other wing forward.

James Mc Dowell started the game at scrum half. Tom Knight-Rigler and Elvis Majanja stepped into the wing positions.

Both teams battled for early supremacy with Bolton just edging the away side with strong running from their forwards, namely Adam Critchlow, Alfie Kay and Tom Crook.

All this pressure paid off after Morgan Skeels-Caldwell dived over from short distance to score his first of 4 tries. Ben Turner taking over kicking duties from Zak Grundy for practice slotted the first conversion with ease. 7-0. Boltons defence held strong after good attacking runs by the Fylde backs and Tom Crook went on one of his 'bullocking' runs to the line but just lost the ball from his grip as he was trying to ground it. Try disallowed. James Mc Dowell had a darting run close to the Fylde line and was stopped just short of the line but thought he had scored the referee had seen a double movement and that was disallowed.

Before half time Morgan went over again from close range after good Bolton pressure for his second converted by Ben Turner. Half Time 14-0

In the second half Fylde started the stronger and scored a well worked try down the left wing to make the score 14-5 after the conversion was missed.

Bolton rallied round and stepped up the pace. Fylde struggled to keep the strong running forwards at bay. Adam Critchlow and Owen Patel were unstoppable today, Owen came close to scoring in the second half. The next person to score was again Morgan for his hat trick. He managed to ground the ball wrapped in Fylde defenders.
Ben unfortunately missed this conversion. 19-5

Bolton began to dominate the game and Fylde heads appeared to drop, James Evans got on the score board which Ben Turner converted before handing over kicking duties to Zak Grundy. 26-5 In the final 10 minutes Bolton scored twice the first from Sam Dawson who had come on for Elvis Majanja after Ben Turner kicked ahead for the chasing winger and full back. Zak was unable to convert the try however it was the longest kick so far, and the second came from Morgan again which was unconverted. 36-5

Final score Bolton 36 v 5 Fylde. A great flowing game to watch with only one penalty given away in the whole game, which was testament to both sides.

Owen Patel won the 'player of the match' award
Tom Crook for most contribution
Joe Fraser-Taylor award for best tackler.