Bury RUFC 22 – 18 Bolton RUFC 19.10.08
by Alex Marr
A fierce contest between these two sides resulted in the opening league match of the season being a real thriller.
The last time these teams met in the league it resulted in a narrow win for Bury and this match was the same. No team led by a definitive amount all through the game. Bolton scored first, a penalty converted by Phil Cavill to put Bolton in the lead. Bury got two tries and converted one to leave the score at 12–3. Conor replied immediately with a ferocious try combining backs and forwards brilliantly. Robert Ashton then powered over to leave the score at half time as 13–12 to Bolton.
Some brilliant rucking and scrummaging from the forwards and some outstanding tackling from the backs meant that no matter how
hard Bury hammered, they could not get over the line. However 15 minutes before the end some excellent link up play from the Bury backs meant they stormed over the line for an unstoppable try. Bury then followed this up with a quick fire second in the second half, despite some resolute defending from the Bolton Boys.
The score stood at 22-13 with 10 minutes to go and so Bolton threw caution to the wind and gave it their all. However some good defending from Bury thwarted our many attacks, until Conor drove over the line for his second and Bolton’s third try of the game. We tried to push for another but the final whistle sounded leaving us defeated, but with our heads held high. It was a heroic performance by the entire team and they should all be proud of themselves.
The team would also like to sound our thanks to Joe Foster who supplied the
new Bolton Rugby Club ties.
Man of the Match: Robert Regan
Try of the Match: Robert Ashton
Tackle of the Match: Kyle Gorton
Sportsman of the Match: Gully