Fleet lose their sparkle!

Just like the weather Fleet made a bright start, the retained Taziker and centre Woodhouse carrying well and the returning Kirton tackling like a true professional. Both sides were playing a quick rucking game and twenty minutes had passed before Bolton opened the scoring. Unfortunately this came from an error by the visitors who failed to clear the ball into touch from a penalty, it was gathered and the home winger danced down the line before touching down, 7-0 to Bolton. A good break in midfield from centre Brown was not supported well enough by his teammates, again Bolton turned the ball over and moved it quickly to score another try and conversion, 14-0 down. The set piece of scrum and lineout was being dominated by Fleet but in open play Bolton were snuffing out all attempts to break their defensive line, however a penalty was slotted over by Howe, 14-3 down. This stirred Bolton into working another try, their slick backs cut through for the home winger to cross the whitewash, 19-3 down and that was half-time.

Again, Fleet started the second half with confidence and the referee awarded a penalty for handling on the floor, Howe again making it count, 19-6 down. Fleet were still trying to take the game to Bolton with the likes of hooker Barnes and No.8 Orry making breaks with ball in hand, but all too often efforts were thwarted by good defensive work. Two further tries and conversions from the home side came in fairly quick succession making it 33-6. The referee then sent a Bolton player to the bin for 10 minutes after a high tackle, but even with the man advantage Fleet were finding it hard to string passages of play together. To rub further salt into their wounds Bolton added another couple of tries through strong backs play, making it a final score of 47-6.

Overall, despite all their toil and endeavour Fleet came away with little reward and can reflect on how Bolton managed to score seven tries against them, as at times the visitors were in control and on balance deserved more from this clash. As for man of the match the list of contenders comes courtesy of the forwards, Orry starred well in attack, Kirton burned brightly in attack, Taziker was at times explosive with ball in hand, but it was the fire-cracker of hooker Barnes who takes it for his tackling, lineout throwing, strikes against the head and ball carrying efforts.

Again, a tough encounter awaits Fleet next week when they make the trip across to West Park of St. Helens.

Report by Dan Jefferson