Bolton 2nd XV 26 Warrington 2nd XV 20
A Warrington 2nd team, fielding four senior colts, was eventually out-muscled by a bigger, more experienced Bolton outfit but a mere six point difference at the final whistle was testimony to the grit and determination of a side which refused to bow down.
Kicking off in miserable, wet weather, Warrington’s sterling defence withstood early pressure, especially from the opposition’s gargantuan pack, but eventually had to concede a penalty to go behind. They replied quickly when the teenage backs combined to engineer a good try in the corner for James Hudson but Bolton regained the lead when their extremely useful inside centre flat-footed the defence to score. Both sides had players yellow carded and the teams tuned round with Bolton leading by 8-7.
Bolton’s power play proved decisive in the early stages of the second period and they scored two tries through their forwards. Warrington reduced the deficit when George Percival, who was excellent throughout hacked on a deft kick from veteran Shaun McDermott, who then went on to kick two penalties. However, Bolton’s forwards closed out the game despite heroic efforts up front from Alex Marland and Richard Turner, who continues to push his aging body to the limits, while youngsters Andy Kellett, Joe Stewart and James Hudson were outstanding in the backs.
“This was an outstanding performance against very strong opposition,” commented a very proud coach, Paul Thompson