Rugby Union: Littleborough RUFC 15 - 13 Bolton RUFC

Littleborough RUFC

Littleborough RUFC again beat a team higher in the league; Bolton are currently in second place whilst Littleborough are ninth.

Littleborough started on the back foot as after only minutes Bolton were awarded a penalty for offside. Fortunately for Littleborough it was missed.

Bolton opened the scoring when their left winger collected and crossed the line the first try. The conversion attempt missed.   

Again, Captain Bairstow was prominent in playing off the front foot and encouraging his team and Littleborough worked their way upfield and gained themselves a penalty, which was converted by Andy Walton, to be the first of five.

Bolton added another try, but again the conversion attempt missed.

Littleborough brought Murphy Holt on to replace Sam Dickinson and shortly after Walton converted his second penalty.

Close to half time, further player changes for Littleborough, Henry Ashworth came on to replace Robert Chadwick.

Littleborough now more in the game and just before the half time whistle Walton was successful with his third penalty to make the half time score 9 -10.

In the second half Littleborough had the advantage of the slope.

Littleborough forwards were getting on top, Stuart Bairstow and John Doherty were very noticeable and coming towards the end of the game a further successful penalty by Walton put Littleborough ahead for the first time.

Further changes for Littleborough saw Paul Fino come into the game.

With minutes left, Bolton were successful with a penalty award and retook the lead.

The match looked all over and Littleborough supporters looked depressed, then right at the end a penalty was awarded to Littleborough. There was silence all around as Walton approached the ball, which then flew between the posts to win the match.

Man-of-the-match wentto Captain Andy Bairstow "for his leadership both in his running rugby and his ground advantage kicks".