Bolton U14's v Widnes U14's

05 November 2017

Bolton U14's v Widnes U14's

Junior Rugby Challenge Cup

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Weather: Sunny , cold, boggy underfoot

Final Score Bolton 15 Widnes 13
Tries: Atherton x 2, Keogh x 1
Conversions: None

Widnes had been beaten by Bolton once already this season but had a new influx of forward players in the interim and the strength and size that these new players brought to the visitors made them more formidable opposition than when Bolton last entertained them at home.

However it was Bolton who took the early advantage with a Sam Atherton try. Atherton followed up a penalty quickly taken by Oliver Keogh to drive over much to the despair of the Widnes defence who tried in vain to hold the ball up. The first half was a tight affair , despite surging runs from Logan Singleton on the wing and Keogh through the middle. Bolton’s usual tenacious tackling was not up to par as Widnes deservedly drew level on the stroke of half time to gain some momentum.

Widnes carried that momentum into the second half, and took the lead with a penalty kick following a Bolton infringement.

Oskar Chadderton, playing in an unfamiliar number eight position, bolstered the Bolton defence with a strong performance and the second half display from the home team was more solid as a whole. Atherton regained the lead for Bolton with a fine solo effort for his second try following an interception. Still the Widnes side pressed and put themselves back in front with a try with ten minutes remaining, their back line finding space on the outside of the Bolton line.

The last ten minutes was end to end stuff, with both teams defending stoutly. With the last play of the game, flanker Keogh received the ball and ran laterally to find space before running the ball home and steal the tie from Widnes at the death.

Bolton now sit top of their group in the cup competition having won all three ties, before the next group match at Liverpool St Helens next week.