The Senior Colts hosted Bolton in today’s re-jigged league E fixture. A narrow 7-5 defeat at Trafford MV last week had instilled confidence in the squad and mid-week training was well-attended. As a consequence, the team played extremely well against a physically large 14 man squad from Bolton. Alas, no props, so the scrummage was uncontested from the start.

This squad has grown together over the last 2 years and has become a useful unit with each man doing his part to the best of his ability. The Moor forwards dominated the first half with some exemplary rucking and counter-rucking to turn over Bolton ball. Alex Bolland was on fire in the loose and was supported extremely well by Ben Jones in his new-found role at lock making many tackles around the fringes. It was good to see the return of Tommy Taylor – he will play a massive part at tight head for us this year. Captain Ireland was everywhere as always, influencing the game with his decisiveness and guile. The support play was excellent and it was encouraging to see so many off-loads in contact going to hand as intended. The lineout worked well with Centre/Hooker James Brennan relishing his new position – he has quickly developed a useful throw. Matt Phillips had a good game at full-back and then ‘loved it’ in the back row where he became involved in everything and allowed his skipper to have a rest in the 15 berth. We just need to tighten up on defence in midfield from set plays, although the individual tackling of Dan Sellars and Harley Oldham was very effective.

Jones powered over for the first of his 2 tries breaking from the right hand side of a maul. It is good to see him back to his best and full of confidence – he surely has a big role to play in future Moor senior sides. Darryl Edwards scored the second – a fine individual run full of pace and power from his own half to score by the left corner flag. Jones added his second – again from a well-worked maul where the forwards drove over from 15 metres out. Edwards took his second from a clever break in the opponent’s 22, hitting a gap and using excellent evasion skills to pop the ball down under the sticks. The final try was perhaps the most pleasing. Moor followed up a long drive into the Bolton 22 and were awarded a penalty for offside. Quickly spotting that the defence was weak to the left, the Moor backs threw wide passes out and Stevie Gilbert raced over for a simple try. This was most pleasing as the player had starred for Bolton in the first half, arguably making their best break of the match against his team-mates. Edwards converted three of the tries to leave the score 31-0 at the final whistle.

Both teams deserve credit for a very hard-fought game where the true spirit and discipline was evident throughout. It was a fine spectacle of Colts rugby and Bolton were unfortunate not to get on the score sheet. Referee, Gareth Kitchen, had a very good match and communicated excellently and empathetically with the players. Many thanks to the senior players who offered to help and supported the team – this is essential if we are to integrate these lads into senior rugby. Alex Bolland turns 17 this week and is chomping at the bit to join some of his team mates for some Saturday action!

Moor, currently second in the league, travel to Warrington next week.