U14's runners up in the Plate Final

Bolton u14's reached the final of the Blacksticks Blue junior challenge plate competition which was played at Leigh on Sunday their opponents were Southport. With five regular players absent either through injury or away it was going to be a tough call.

This was quite an achievement for the Bolton junior section as only one team have only ever reached this final once before back in 2007.

Bolton started well in front of a large crowd but it soon became apparent that Southport had strength in depth and Bolton conceded two tries on 9 minutes and 13 minutes, one of which was converted. Dan Southworth (Man of the match award) was making good foraging runs into the Southport defence but these we're repelled by strong tackling. Much of the first half was played in the Bolton 22 metre area, Bolton held out well before Southport scored their third try under the posts. But for James Evans try saving tackles at full back Southport could have been several more tries ahead.
With the score at 17 v 0 to Southport after just 16 minutes you would have thought heads would drop but Bolton rallied around and after a well worked line out move involving Paddy Hunter and Dan Southworth well inside the Bolton half, Bolton took the ball to Southport and after several great driving runs close to the Southport line Dan drove over from close range. Ben Turner was unable to convert the try.
The score was 17 v 5 at half time. All to play for.
The second half was played out very similar to the first Bolton seemed unable to break down the Southport defence and nerves seemed to have got the better of the team. Tom Crook was always in the thick of it which earned him an award for the most contribution. 7 minutes into the second half Southport scored what was a disputed try after the scorer appeared to drop the ball prior to grounding it but the officials gave the try and this subsequently put Bolton out of reach of the game. Six changes were made by Bolton to allow all the squad to play in the final. They never gave up but tired towards the end and Southport seized the opportunity to score twice with no reply, the final score 36 v 5.
The best team on the day won the final but Bolton put up a great fight right to the end and should be proud of themselves for getting there in the first place.

Players of note we re Sam Dawson and Kier Kernick for strong defence. Ben Turner never gave up under immense pressure. Dan Southworth won man of the match award with Best Tackler's award going to James Evans and Most Contribution award going to Tom Crook.

A great experience for all those involved and the players and coaches would like to thank everyone who went along to support the team.
The players all received runner's up medals for their part in the final.