Bolton Take the Spoils in Blacksticks Opener

After a torrid opening two weeks of the season, seeing two huge defeats Bolton u14s finally got their season up and running with a hard fought win against a tough Blackburn side. From the kick off, it was Blackburn on the attack and time and again the strong Blackburn Runners made inroads into the Bolton defence and every time Bolton managed to repel with Harry Moxham, Oliver Lambert, Bailey Howlin and Marcus Crompton particularly prominent. It was backs against the walls with Bolton unable to mount any real pressure with only Kynan Smith making any serious ground with ball in hand fielding kicks from fullback. In recent weeks the Bolton defence would have crumbled but there was a steel today running through the team and they tackled and hustled like never before and a breathless first half ended scoreless.

The second half kicked off and this time it was Blackburn forced to defend, Regan Brown on his debut was now starting to make ground and the Bolton scrum was getting on top, Myles Crook taking a couple against the head to cap a fine display. From a loose Blackburn pass, the excellent Issac Prescott gathered drove through a couple of weak tackles, rounded the full back and with two forwards hanging on crashed over the line for the opening score to Bolton. This shook Blackburn into action and a lovely flowing move saw an immediate response. This simply galvanised the Bolton boys, sensing their opponents were starting to tire, first Owen Critchlow touched down then once again Issac Prescott before the dynamo that is Callam McGaughey rounded off a superb display to see Bolton home by 22-5. Mention must go to the half backs, Jack Phillips and Robert Harris who both controlled the game superbly and Luke Bagnall who just kept going and going. Every player from 1 to 22 played their part in a huge team effort – the season has finally started!!