Key men missed as Boro fall at Bolton
LITTLEBOROUGH RUFC were beaten on their travels after suffering defeat at Bolton on Saturday.
Unfortunately for Boro, they had to make player changes in the three quarters due to unavailability from the last few weeks, with captain Andy Walton and Liam Lloyd not available for selection.
Former skipper Andy Bairstow and Conrad Hill came into the team, but it wasn’t enough to stop the side coming up short.
Considering the downpour of rain on the journey to Bolton, the pitch was in reasonable condition and the match kicked off with a good break by Boro’s George Roberts, putting his side on the front foot.
The hosts then worked their way up into their opponent’s half but Littleborough retaliated with a good distance kick back by Chris Hough.
Boro had a few chances as the half progressed, but unfortunately after 25 minutes Bolton crossed for the first try of the match, though there was no conversion.
Littleborough looked to hit back when Henry Ashworth put in a good run forward, followed with an astute kick towards the try line by Hough.
That ball was well picked up by young Jordan Clarke, who went over to score Boro’s first and only try of the game, with no conversion.
This indicated the quality of the Under 17s players that were brought up into the first team which also includes Jack Wilson and George Roberts.
Bolton had the final say before half-time as they crossed the try line again later on and also added the conversion, making it 12-5 at the break.
There were changes for Boro at the beginning of the second half, as Stuart Bairstow replaced the injured Ashworth.
After only five minutes, a penalty was awarded to Littleborough, and it was converted by Roberts to reduce the points difference to only four points.
The pressure was then back on Boro, and Bolton managed to break through their defence when they eventually crossed for another converted try.
It got worse for Littleborough as a kick towards the corner flag by Bolton was touched down over the try line and then converted. The game ended soon after with Boro on the attack still trying to cut short the deficit, but it wasn’t to be and the score finished 26-8.
Unfortunately Boro just couldn’t find their rhythm that they have shown in recent games but still there were some great individual efforts, none more so than man of the match, young George Roberts at out half, who was a fine attacking ball carrier.
Littleborough will now hope to return to winning ways when up next for them is a return to Rakewood Road, going up against Trafford MV in a home match on Saturday.