The Mets got off to a great start as sustained attack on their opponents line led to Fullback Paul Ashton fending off two players to cross the line for the opening score. He converted his own try to give Bolton a 6-0 lead.

Stand Off Ste Hickey was directing his players around the field with great skill and within sight of the try line, he ran through a gap to touchdown. Paul Ashton again added the extra 2 points to put the Mets 12-0 in front.

Due to excellent defence and a well organised attack, the half just got better for Bolton as Winger Jordan Yates was put in for the third try by Centre Ross McMahon. Paul Ashton missed the conversion and as half time approached; the Mets led 16-0.

Unfortunately, the half time break came at a detriment to Bolton as the players lost concentration and instantly paid the price. Gifting Ashton possession through some poor handling, this allowed the home team to score a converted try out wide. This was quickly followed by another as indiscipline crept into the Mets performance and they looked rattled for the first time in the game.

Bolton tried to settle the ship with some basic forward play, which saw Ryan Terry break the line to sprint 60 metres down field and set up an attacking move out wide. With Wingers Jordan Yates and Pierce Sherrington eager to receive the ball, Bolton looked to spread the play but weren’t able to execute the desired move.

The Bears started to get a firm foothold in the game and they took the lead for the first time in the 70th minute when some poor indiscipline gifted them field position. A rare missed tackle in the Mets defence turned out to be costly as the Ashton Prop ran through to score. With the added extras, Ashton now led 18-16 and the game had been turned on its head.

Entering the final five minutes, Captain Mark Dorning opting against taking a kick at goal, that if successful would have tied the game, but the move broke down and it looked as though the Mets were going to suffer an agonising first game defeat. With the fulltime whistle only moments away, another penalty was awarded to the Mets, and despite the screams from the sidelines to take the 2, Mark Dorning tapped the ball, ran at the line, bumped off a tackle and passed the ball wide to Pierce Sherrington who dived over in the corner. The Bolton players and sideline support were jumping for joy as they had nicked the win literally on the final whistle. Paul Ashton missed the conversion, but this couldn’t dampen the spirits as the Mets had won the game 20-18.

Ross McMahon was awarded Man of the Match by the opposition due to his strong running and hard tackling throughout the 80 minutes. Paul Ashton and Mark Dorning were 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Bolton Mets will host Hindley ‘A’ on Saturday 28th April, 2.30pm KO, wearing their new kit for the first time. Please come down and show us your support for our first home game of the season.

The Mets are currently searching for a new Head Coach to lead them in the Summer League, so if you are interested in the position please get in touch with Chairman Glenn Jones on 07795 007116. We are also looking for a First Aider to help out on match days. Please get in touch if you are interested in either position.