Bolton U14s vs Eccles Cup

25 February 2018

Eccles u14’s v Bolton U14's
Lancashire Junior Challenge Plate
Away

Weather: Sunny, cold

Final Score Eccles 30- Bolton 0
Tries:
Conversions:

Team:

Bolton Under 14’s were drawn away against perennial bogey team Eccles in the Lancashire Junior Challenge Plate quarter final. The form book foretold that this should have been an easy win for Eccles, who have a physically intimidating pack and strong and large runners.

Bolton took the fight to Eccles in a lively first half where the visitors dominated in the ruck and put the Eccles men under pressure and forced handling errors. Sam Atherton and Oliver Keogh were particularly tireless in the tackle, but the cherry and whites were unable to convert the dominance into points on the board. Bolton had the majority of possession and the score was still scoreless until the last play of the first half, when Eccles scored against the run of play.

This late score seemed to deflate the Bolton side and the exertions of their first half display began to take their toll as legs tired and injuries began to accumulate. Eccles maintained their shape and discipline and put Bolton to the sword in a one sided second half which bore little resemblance to the competitive first.

Bolton conceded a further 5 tries without reply to confirm their exit from the knockout stages of this years challenge competition.