Walton holds nerve for Boro
LITTLEBOROUGH RUFC were victorious last Saturday after a hard-fought game against Bolton RUFC at Rakewood Road.
Bolton were second in the table heading into the match, showing just how impressive a win it was for Boro.
The hosts started on the back foot and after only three minutes Bolton were awarded a penalty for offside, but fortunately it was missed.
The visitors did manage to open the scoring though when after 15 minutes the ball was passed down their threequarters for their left winger to go over for the first try, but there was no conversion.
Littleborough captain Andy Bairstow was prominent in playing off the front foot and encouraging his team, and Boro worked their way upfield and gained a penalty, which was converted by Andy Walton in what would be the first of five.
Unfortunately, soon afterwards Bolton earned themselves another try, but they couldn’t tale full advantage as there was still no conversion.
This was followed by good running rugby by Boro which saw Matthew Goldthorpe on a strong run up the wing, but it didn’t lead to a try.
After 30 minutes, Boro brought Murphy Holt on to replace Sam Dickinson and shortly afterwards Walton converted his second penalty to reduce the deficit.
As half-time approached, there were further player changes for Boro, as young Henry Ashworth came on to replace Robert Chadwick.
The fresh legs meant that Littleborough were now more in the game and just before the halftime whistle Walton was successful with his third penalty to make it 10-9 to Bolton at the break.
In the second-half Boro had the advantage of the slope which was well used by Walton as he kicked downfield to touch.
That was followed by good forward ground made by Boro’s scrummage and they continued to do the same in the next scrum.
Now that they were more in the game, Littleborough’s Chris Park made a nice break leading to Nathan Ripley making a fine distance kick to touch.
Boro’s forwards were getting on top, with Stuart Bairstow and John Doherty causing problems for the Bolton defence. Their hard work was rewarded when they helped their team earn another penalty, which Walton was successful with to put his team ahead for the first time.
With the match approaching the end, it looked like Bolton may pick up the win when they scored a penalty to retake the lead once again.
The game match looked over and Boro supporters looked depressed, but right at the death a penalty was awarded to Littleborough.
There was silence as Walton approached the ball, which then flew between the posts to win his team the match in dramatic fashion.