Tarleton Seconds v Bolton Seconds Match Report

Tarleton Second XV were up against Bolton Seconds on Saturday in a home fixture and with a full squad were full of confidence.

The first 10 minutes was all Tarleton and Bolton struggled to get their hands on the ball, an early penalty chance to Tarleton following ‘hands in the ruck’ by a Bolton defender was pushed wide of the upright but from a long kick out the ball was gathered by Ollie Barham who made a lot of ground before offloading to Jack Claveley who also made good yards before offloading to Dan Mallinson who ran in to score and give Tarleton a 5-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Tarleton continued to press and Ollie Barham almost ran up the line to score in the corner but was edged into touch just before he put down. Tarleton were awarded another penalty 25 yards out and George Cook stroked this one over to increase Tarletons’ lead to 8-0.

The next Tarleton try was probably the best of the match with the pack forcing Bolton to retreat 10 yards in a scrum and the ball was released just at the right time as Ollie Barham came screaming through running a great line to leave the Bolton defence flat footed as he ran in under the posts. George Cook added the extras and after half an hour Tarleton were 15-0 ahead.

Bolton then hit a purple patch and from an attacking line-out they moved the ball wide along the line very quickly and Tarleton hadn’t counted properly when setting up their defence giving the Bolton right winger an unopposed run in to score, the conversion was good and Bolton closed the gap to 15-7.

Tarleton gifted Bolton their next try when a pass was dropped in midfield and the onrushing Bolton full back scooped up the loose ball and ran in to score and bring Bolton right back into the game at 15-12 which is where it remained at half time.

Bolton came out of the blocks in the second half quicker than Tarleton and pressed the Tarleton backs with aggressive fast defence. To try and combat their rush defence a cross kick was attempted which was intercepted and again Bolton ran in a try from distance, they converted this and for the first time in the match took the lead 19-15.

Tarleton then started to turn the screw and Bolton again put a clearance kick right down a Tarleton player’s throat who ran it back before passing the ball to Jack Claveley who coasted over to score a good try and with Dan Mallinson successfully converting Tarleton were back in front 22-19.

Bolton weren’t done though and from an attacking 5mtr line out following a penalty they pressed the Tarleton line and after 4 or 5 phases that Tarleton dealt with they eventually crashed over to score, the conversion was missed but Bolton were now back in the lead 24-22.

Tarleton had another penalty awarded when a great break was stopped by a high tackle but this penalty was pulled left of the uprights. The pressure was again applied by Tarleton and Bolton again kicked to clear the threat but found Ollie Barham who exhibiting safe hands caught the ball on the run and burst through Bolton’s on-rushing defence passing the ball to Jack Claveley as he was tackled, Jack broke through 3 attempted tackles to score a good try and Dan Mallinson’s conversion brought the score to 29-24 in Tarletons’ favour.

Jack Claveley scored another individual try when he received the ball outside the Bolton 22 and just carved his way through to set up and score his hat-trick score and put Tarleton safe at 34-24.

Bolton tried to come back again but the clock was against them and although under pressure in the last five minutes Tarleton’s defence held firm and another win was under their belt.

This was not a fluid performance by Tarleton and they were guilty of gifting two tries to the opposition and some of the tackling, or lack of tackling was not up to their usual organised high standard.

This result puts them in 4th Place in the league with a game in hand over third place who they could leapfrog if they win this. Next Saturday they are again at home against Eccles before donning their Christmas jumpers for the Seniors Party Night at the club.

The 3rds. game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch and it was Bolton Firsts who took the win in a 21-15 victory against Tarleton Firsts which sees them coming away with just the bonus point for their efforts. They travel to Trafford Metrovic next Saturday to try and get back to winning ways.