2006-07 Season Summary
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P W D L For Ag Pts Position
1st XV 22 9 0 13 270 346 18 8th RFU Lancs North 1
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Saturday 14th April 2007
BOLTON 19 – KIRKBY LONSDALE 22
In the last league match of the current season, Bolton lost a close encounter against runaway league champions Kirkby Lonsdale. With temperatures soaring into the high teens and probably the largest crowd of the season, Bolton produced their best display of the year and restored some much needed pride into the red and white jersey. The visitors were quick to strike as they scored an early try when the Bolton defence was caught short on the blind side. However, the cover defence forced the try out on the sideline and the resulting conversion was missed. This sparked the home side into action and the remainder of the half was one way traffic, as the red and whites took control. The set piece was working well and the front row of Hilton, Griffiths and Beasley were at their muscular best as they drove their opposite numbers back time and time again. At one stage it looked like the Kirkby scrum was stuck in reverse gear. Centre, Chris Flanagan was first to strike for the red and whites after a mazy run, fly half Tom Keech unluckily to miss the conversion. The evergreen Peter Marriott was next, after a well executed backs move put him through the narrowest of gaps, to power over the try line. The Bolton forwards were in classic form, with the experienced Andy Leigh directing operations from Scrum Half and the marauding back row of James Brodie, Pete Brogan and Alex Youngman working tirelessly to provide an endless stream of possession for the backs. The final try of the half came from Bolton fly half Tom Keech, who broke clear from a scrum and showed the covering defence a clean pair of heels to canter over the line. With his own conversion, the half time score stood at 19 – 5 in favour of the home side and an upset looked on the cards.
Sadly, the second half was a different story. Despite strong defence from the Bolton side, most notably big hits from second row pairing Pete Hackin and Dave Evans, the Kirkby backs got a new lease of life. Fly half, Tom Keech left the field with an arm injury meaning the Bolton backs had to reshuffle and the new back line never looked settled. The outside backs, JP & James Singleton and Alex Sugden worked tirelessly all game and constantly came in field looking for work, but there were few gaps to be found in the defense. Kirkby hit back with 3 unanswered tries and the game slipped away from Bolton. With a last throw of the dice, Chris Flanegan saw his attempted penalty kick, which would have levelled the score sail agonisingly wide. The final score of 22 – 19 to Kirkby, showed how close the league has been this year and illustrated that this young Bolton side can live with any team in the league on their day.
As the curtain comes down on yet another long season, there is already speculation mounting about the potential of new and returning players and a possible new coaching structure for next season.
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Saturday 31st March 2007
LITTLEBOROUGH 30 V BOLTON 1st XV 12
Bolton were well beaten on Saturday, despite a spirited second half performance away at Littleborough. Littleborough were quick out of the blocks in their last home game of the season and caught Bolton napping with two tries within the first ten minutes. Bolton captain, James Brodie, was quick to respond with an unconverted try from a powerful run from the base of the scrum, however, the red & whites just didn’t look hungry enough or powerful enough in the contact area. The usually strong Bolton defence was now in tatters and it leaked two more tries before half time. The two teams turned round with the score at 25 – 5 in favour of the hosts.
A rallying cry from coach Casper Joseph during the interval, saw a much improved Bolton side in the second half and they were rewarded with a try in the corner. Fly half, Rory Murray adding the extras. Sadly, it was too little too late for Bolton, with the final score 30 – 12 in favour of Littleborough.
Bolton’s final match of the season is on Sat, 14th April, as they look to topple league high flyers Kirkby Lonsdale at Avenue Street
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Saturday 17th March 2007
Bolton 1st XV 7 Old Bedians 3
This Saturday saw Bolton win a scrappy match without ever really getting out of first gear. They spent pretty much all of the match camped deep down in opposition territory, but couldn’t quite turn the territory into points. Bedians were first to get points on the board with an early penalty for
offside at a ruck. However, Bolton were quick to respond with a well taken try by Paul Sutcliffe, after a good offload in the tackle from skipper James Brodie. Fly half, Rory Murray adding the extras, which was to be his only successful conversion of the afternoon.
The remainder of the match was frustrating, with the red and whites winning plenty of ball, yet good defence from the visitors and the poor handling conditions meant that the backs couldn’t find any rhythm.
Bolton travel to Littleborough in two weeks time, with coach Casper Joseph looking for a more composed performance in the penultimate game of the season.
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Saturday 3rd March 2007
Tarleton 1s 40 Bolton 1st XV 0
Three tries in the first ten minutes of the game effectively decided the result of this game. The bigger Tarleton forwards maintained possession of the ball to prevent any serious Bolton involvement. The opportunities that Bolton had were quickly snuffed out. A further two tries before half time added to the Tarleton score. As if they weren't already up against it, the second half saw Bolton playing into the sun and against the wind as well. The same lack of possession prevented Bolton from real involvement in the second half, but the resolute defence held firm for most of the half as Tarleton were held to three tries in the second period. The result was a clear victory for a Tarleton team that moved to second place in the table. But with this and other recent home results, we all wonder why Tarleton are still in our league !
Saturday 24th February 2007
BOLTON 1st XV 8 v BIRCHFIELD 7
This Saturday saw the return of local winger JP Singleton to his home colours after his sabbatical over at Altrincham, yet it was Greg Abbott on the other wing who stole the show with the winning try. It was a good turn out from the local support to witness what would be one of the most important wins of the season. The weather conditions meant it was never going to be a try feast, however, the customary tight home defence did a number on the visitors, with the back row of Alex Youngman, Paul Sutcliffe and James Brodie as dynamic as ever. The only try from Bolton came on ten minutes after the ball was spun from one side of the field to the other, with Abbott showing a clean pair of heels to reach the corner before the covering defence. Fly half, Rory Murray missing the tricky conversion. Murray was quick to redeem himself with a well struck penalty just before half time, to give Bolton a lead of 8 – 0 going into half time.
The second half was more of the same, with Bolton dominating for long periods of the match, but failing to capitalise on their dominance. The line out was providing good possession for the backs, with accurate throwing from hooker, Sam Hilton and good work from the Props, JP Hardman and Steve Beasley. In the closing minutes of the match and with the game won, the Bolton tacklers appeared to relax and Birchfield took full advantage with a converted try under the posts, to make the final score a more respectable 8 – 7 in favour of the home side.
Bolton travel to Tarleton next week and must look to be more clinical in converting territory and possession into points if they are to stand a chance against one of the league high flyers.
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Sat 17th February 2007
Blackpool 17 V Bolton 1st XV 20
A late penalty kick from fly half Rory Murray pinched the points for Bolton as they defeated Blackpool 20-17. A penalty try to the hosts had levelled the scores with five minutes to play in a match played out in heavy conditions with no quarter asked or given by either side. The travelling Bolton side was much changed from the one that beat Bury two weeks ago. Michael Singleton, was required to swap from fly half to full back and Alex Quegan, normally a flanker, started on the wing. Blackpool were the first to score after about two minutes, as they caught the Bolton backs cold from their long journey up the M6. This had the required effect on the visitors, as the forwards drove down field and were rewarded with a penalty, successfully converted by Murray. An over ambitious move from the Blackpool backs then saw Bolton centre Chris Flanegan intercept the ball and show a clean pair of heels to race the full length of the pitch to score under the posts. Murray calmly slotted the conversion to give a half time score of 10 – 7 to Bolton.
Shortly after half time, Blackpool were able to capitalise on a Bolton infringement to level the scores, before the try of the match put Bolton back in the lead. A stolen ball from prop Sam Hilton, released skipper James Brodie and the ball was fed down the back line for Chris Flanegan to score his second in the corner. Murray successfully added the extras from the touchline. Once again Blackpool came back at the visitors with everything they had. The Bolton defence held firm and repelled wave after wave of attack with some crunching tackling. The second row pairing of Hackin and Evans throwing their opposite numbers around as if they were rag dolls. Unfortunately after one penalty too many, the referee lost his patience and awarded Blackpool a penalty try. The conversion was a formality to level the scores once again. If Blackpool were playing for the draw, the visitors were determined not to let them have it and camped down in the opposition half. The front five were now starting to dominate the scrums and the line out had been functioning well all day. An infringement from the Blackpool forwards in the closing minutes, gave Murray the opportunity to knock over another 3 points to win the game for Bolton final score 20 – 17.
Bolton host Birchfield next weekend, kick off at 2:30pm
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Sat 10th February
no game
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3rd February 2007
Bolton 1st XV 16 Bury 1s 10
Bury were the visitors at Avenue Street this weekend as Bolton recorded a much needed victory in front of a large crowd. Flanker, Alex Youngman scored the two tries as he put in a man of the match performance. It was pleasing to see the Bolton set piece back on form as the Bolton front five consistently drove their opposition back and dominated the line outs. Despite Bolton looking the better team throughout the first 40 minutes, the half time score was only 6 – 0, with the only highlights being 2 penalty goals from centre, Rory Murray after constant Bury infringements at the breakdown.
A stirring half time speech from coach, Caspar Joseph, saw the required results, as the Bolton forwards rampaged up the field. Good driving play from second row pairing Tom Lee and Pete Hackin, set up Youngman for his first try, an easy pick and drive. The set pieces continued to work well, and as the front row of Hilton, Griffiths and Beasley wreaked havoc on their opposite numbers once again, Youngman was on hand as the ball went loose to score his second. A late converted try from Bury made the final score look more respectable, as the final whistle went and the players retired to the club house to watch the internationals and enjoy a few well-earned pints.
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Sat 27th January 2007
BOLTON 1st XV 16 v BURNLEY 22
It was ‘close but no cigar’ down at Avenue Street this weekend, as Bolton lost by just a try for the second week in succession. The visitors were a high flying Burnley side who must have been left breathing a sigh of relief at the final whistle. The starting line up looked much changed again from last week, due to a combination of cry offs and injuries, as Steve Beasley came in at prop, Mike Singleton started at fly half and John Keech was back on the wing. Burnley kicked off and immediately camped down in the Bolton half making their intentions known from the start. They were rewarded with an early unconverted try. However, the red and whites were quick to respond with a try of their own. Prop, Sam Hilton gathering a rebounded kick before feeding hooker, Nick Griffiths with a lovely timed pass to allow the hooker to power over in the corner. Burnley struck again on the stroke of half time as a mistake at a Bolton line out gifted the opposition possession and they went nearly the full length of the pitch to score. The score at half time being 12 – 5 to the visitors.
After a stirring half time speech, by coach Caspar Joseph, Bolton came out with all guns blazing and a lovely worked backs move saw Mike Singleton put Chris Flanagan through a gaping hole without a Burnley finger being placed on him. John Keech then traded penalties with his opposite number, after strong running from James Brodie and Pete Hackin to bring the score up to 15 – 13, before Burnley found an over lap on the blind side of a ruck to go over again with another converted try. Bolton scored a final penalty as Burnley infringed again to set up a thrilling final ten minutes. The red and white forwards worked hard to drive over the Burnley line several times, but failed to ground the ball on each occasion. The final whistle went as Bolton were awarded another attacking scrum and they were left to wonder what might have been.
Bolton host local rivals Bury at Avenue Street next week, as they look to get their season back on track.
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Saturday 20th january 2007
Bolton 1st XV 5 Eccles 10
Bolton played host to local rivals Eccles this afternoon in a re-arranged league fixture, looking to get a further 2 points in order to break into the top half of the league. Both teams gave their all in a fierce contest, but Eccles took the spoils after making the most of the weather conditions. Eccles kicked off into a howling wind and immediately camped themselves deep down in the Bolton half. Resolute defending from the home side kept the visitors at bay, with no quarter asked or given. The Eccles Number 8 scored the first try of the half direct from a scrum on ten minutes. Bolton began to use the weather conditions to their own advantage and some good tactical kicking from fly half, Rory Murray, saw Bolton awarded a line out on the opposition 22. A customary catch and drive saw the forwards power over the Eccles line to level the scores at 5 – 5.
Unfortunately, as the sides turned around Bolton could not sustain their first half pressure. With the wind in their faces, the Bolton pack began to exert themselves on the opposition, constantly turning over possession with their offensive defence. However, the normally solid Bolton scrum began to creak under the weight of their much bigger opponents and a lucky try from the Eccles Number 7, after the ball was fly-hacked through a ruck were to be the only points in the second half. The final score of 10 – 5 to the visitors did not fairly reflect the efforts put in by all the Bolton players. They will be looking to get back to winning ways as the league continues next weekend with a visit from a strong Burnley side.
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Saturday 13th January 2007
Colne & Nelson 0 v Bolton 1st XV 22
Bolton recorded a vital win on Saturday in their first match of 2007 at Colne & Nelson. With weather conditions at their worst and several players suffering from the flu, posting a win was more important than the actual performance, however, it was particularly pleasing to keep the opposition try-less. The red & whites couldn’t have made a better start with two tries within the first ten minutes, the first from full back Greg Abbott and the second from centre Chris Flanagan, both tries remaining unconverted. The remainder of the half saw Bolton camped on their try line as they were forced to repel wave after wave of attack. Several infringements resulted in the referee brandishing his yellow card to skipper James Brodie, who took ten minutes on the side line. This seemed to strengthen the resolve of the Bolton forwards as they drove out of defence time and time again.
The second half was almost an exact reflection of the first, with two early tries. Chris Flanagan got his second and the final one coming from debutant winger, Manesh Tailor. Fly half, Rory Murray added the extras to make the score 22 – 0. The remainder of the half was played out as a stalemate, with both sides having ample opportunity to score but failing to capitalise. It was pleasing to see Mathew Parrish, who only took up the game 3 years ago, come on for the final twenty minutes to make his first team debut. He immediately made some powerful runs and on this showing should enjoy several more chances in the coming months.
Next week Bolton host local rivals Eccles in a re-arranged fixture, kick off 2:15pm at Avenue Street.
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Saturday 16th December 2006
Heaton Moor 22 Bolton 1st XV 12
Bolton travelled away at Heaton Moor this afternoon in their last match before the Christmas break. A tenacious performance should give the red and whites plenty of confidence for the second half of the season, even though it didn’t provide the result they so badly needed. Two early tries from Moor, set the tone for the match and meant that the visitors were always playing catch up. As always the set piece was immense, as the muscular Bolton forwards steam rolled through their opposite numbers, however, the Moor defence held strong and kept the score to 17 – 0 at half time.
The Bolton side came out for the second half and threw everything, including the kitchen sink at the opposition. The results were quick to come, when skipper James Brodie went over at the back of yet another stolen scrum and then Alex Sugden powered over the line with several of the opposition players still hanging off him. Returning fly half Tom Keech coolly slotted the conversion from the side lines. At 17 – 12, the Bolton fight back looked on and the home side needed a sparkle of individual magic to steady the ship. They managed to find it, when the Heaton Moor full back broke free from inside his teams own half and ran nearly the full length of the field to score in the corner. Bolton rallied for the final 5 minutes and showed great character, however, in the end the clock ran out with the score at 22 - 12. The players were left to reflect on an afternoon that, whilst it had been frustrating also showed plenty of good points. There is no First XV game now until Sat, 6th January, when Bolton will host near neighbours Eccles.
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Saturday 9th December 2006
Bury 3 Bolton 1st XV 8
It was derby day this weekend as Bolton travelled across town to near neighbours Bury, expecting a tough afternoon and they weren’t disappointed. The game, being played in a mud bath started the better for the Bolton side, as good driving play from the forwards kept the home team camped down in their own 22. Makeshift fly-half, Rory Murray ensuring the forwards got their reward with a well taken penalty goal. The remainder of the first half was frustrating, with the red and whites winning plenty of ball, yet good defence from Bury and the poor handling conditions meant that the backs couldn’t find any rhythm. A Bolton infringement at a ruck just before half time gifted Bury 3 points and then Murray saw his drop goal bobble agonisingly underneath the cross bar. The teams went into half time with the game locked at 3 – 3. A stirring half time speech from acting team manager, Caspar Joseph, saw the required results, as the Bolton forwards rampaged up the field time and time again.
The set pieces were working well, with the Bolton front five dominating their opposite numbers and the back row as dynamic as ever. However, the proud Bury side managed to repel wave after wave of attack. Just as the game was looking like it would finish a 3 – 3 draw, Bolton second row, Tom Lee made a telling break, and with the outside backs in support, managed to find Pete Marriott, who drew his man and passed to full back Greg Abbott on the outside. The scrambling defence just managed to get back and pull Abbott down yards from the try line and the move looked like it was over, however, the Bolton full back managed to release the ball to debutant centre, Chris Flanigan, who managed to get the ball down in the corner. With the conversion missed, the Bolton forwards controlled the last five minutes as they had done all match and wound the clock down to post a historic victory. Next week, Bolton travel to Heaton Moor, aiming to get their third win in a row.
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Saturday 2nd December
Bolton 1st XV 8 Littleborough 6
Bolton rolled out an impressive display at Avenue Street on Saturday, as they played host to league high flyers Littleborough. The weather conditions meant that the game was never going to be a high scoring affair, however, staunch defence and huge self belief saw the home side get the win they so badly needed. The game started brightly for the red & whites as Pete Brogan touched down after 5 minutes following a charged down kick. This was followed by a period of stalemate as both sides missed several penalty chances. The Littleborough fly half managed a shot on target just before half time and the sides went into the break with the score at 5-3 to Bolton.
The second half saw more excitement with both sides looking to play more attacking rugby. Fullback, Greg Abbott was the pick of the backs as he constantly made good yardage with the ball in hand. Bolton’s customary strong defence began to dominate the visitors with thunderous hits coming in from forwards, Sam Hilton, Tom Lee and Alex Youngman. Despite several scoring opportunities from both sides, the only points in a frustrating half came from the boot, as the fly halves traded penalty kicks. The final score of 8 – 6 to Bolton was a fair reflection of the match and should boost confidence for a potentially tricky visit to Bury next weekend.
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Saturday 25th November 2006
Kirkby Lonsdale 25 Bolton 1st XV 0
Bolton travelled to top of the table Kirkby Lonsdale with 2 late cry-offs detracting from the already depleted team. Alex Sugden moved up for his first start for the 1st team in over 3 years. Bolton started well and both teams cancelled each other out for long periods, the only real advantages coming from the wind that gusted the length of the park. Kirkby's first try came from a missed tackle on the wing, allowing their winger to stretch his legs and sprint for the line, the final pass back inside to his centre beating the covering full-back. The conversion was added. A further penalty opened the gap to 10 points. Two penalty kicks taken by Bolton were both missed. An injury to fly-half Rob Weatherhead meant that he left the pitch at this point with a suspected broken arm. Paul Sutcliffe came off the bench, for his first 1st team appearance in 18 months. The Bolton team, now under real pressure dug in and held the Kirkby team until half-time. 0 - 10
As the second half opened, Bolton re-organised, moving Rory Murray to fly-half, Pete Hackin to centre, Sutcliffe filling the unfamiliar wingers position. For the next 10 minutes they then had probably their best spell of the game and after a period of pressure Hackin crossed the line only to be adjudged to have made a "double movement". As the half progressed, Kirkby made better use of the elements and continually reversed hard fought Bolton gains with well placed kicks. Two tries were their rewards, one of those coming again from missed tackles. As the game reached its final minutes and the gloom closed in, a great break by Murray split the Kirkby defence and, with only the full-back to beat, he lost his footing in the muddy pitch and was tackled agonisingly close to the try line. Final score 0 - 25.
A poor reward for a solid forwards performance. That said, this was Kirkby's lowest scoring home performance of the season, having scored 99 against Bury earlier in the month.
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Sat 11th November 2006
Bolton 1st XV 7 Heaton Moor 20
Bolton's home game against Heaton Moor was always going to be difficult. Having been relegated at the end of last season, Moor were keen to prove that they are promotion candidates again. But from the whistle the smaller Bolton pack pushed the Moor pack back in the scrum and maul. Indeed a 20m rolling maul inn the first 5 minutes had Bolton camped on their opposition line. Turn-over ball eased the pressure for the visitors as they cleared the lines, taking advantage of the strong wind behind them. As the game progressed Moor picked up a penalty and then increased their lead with an unconverted try as the breached the strong Bolton defence out wide. Playing into the strong wind Bolton defended for long periods and the try conceded out wide on the wing was the only blot on the copybook. But from the try, Bolton took the game straight back to Moor and responded with an Andy Dann try on his return from injury. Rob Weatherhead added the extras. Half time 7 - 8.
The second half saw the worst of the weather arrive and Bolton used the gusting wind to spend long periods in their opponents 22. But as they failed to cross the line, they committed ever more to the attack and were caught out in the closing minutes as Moor counter-attacked. Final score Bolton 7 Heaton Moor 20. Another disappointing result, despite great work by the forwards and an excellent first team debut for Bolton University student Rory Murray.
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Sat 4th November 2006
Eccles 13 Bolton 1st XV 5
Bolton 1st XV travelled to local rivals Eccles in what turned out to be a very close fixture. Bolton started well and pressured the bigger Eccles pack from the off. As the ball broke for Bolton, Peter Brogan crossed the line was adjudged to have knocked on. The game then settled into a midfield battle. On a rare foray into the Bolton 22, Eccles were awarded a penalty which was kicked 3 - 0. A couple of good probing runs went unrewarded and the back row trio of Brogan, Alex Youngman and James Brodie were working hard to contain any Eccles breaks. The score remained until the stroke of half-time, when the Eccles fly-half added another 3 courtesy of a drop kick 6 - 0.
Bolton came out after the break and again took the game to Eccles. After some scrappy play and repeated penalties in the Eccles 22 the ball was moved wide and winger Peter Hackin crashed over wide on the wing 6 - 5. Bolton kept the pressure on, but the final pass or option taken never quite came off. Eccles sensed the Bolton frustration and attacked the Bolton line. Superb defence knocked them back time after time and Eccles bodies littered the park as the big hits went in. It looked as if the 1 point margin was to be the final score, until in the dying minutes the Eccles full-back joined the line and slipped thru the defence to score under the sticks. Final score Eccles 13 Bolton 5.
A disappointing result, for a lot of hard work and commitment.
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