Colne and Nelson 33

Bolton 2nds 12

COLNE and Nelson picked the perfect game to turn on the style as they beat league leaders Bolton Seconds watched by their new sponsors and former players.

There was a buzz about the Holt House ground pre-kick off with the ex-players annual reunion in full swing and that excitement transferred to the field of play.

The clubhouse was packed with representatives from sponsors who got the chance to see just what they had invested in - and on this viewing, it is value for money.

The All Blacks stormed to a 15-0 lead at the break, survived a Bolton comeback early in the second half then regained their composure to seal a fourth win in six outings in Halbro North West League Division Two North.

Colne clinch promotion last season following a final day winner-takes-all showdown with Chorley and if they and can repeat the level of performance that saw off the division’s top team, there is no reason why the can’t challenge again.

Bolton, who went in to the game with a perfect record of six wins out of six, showed just why they are top of the table with some excellent early work - and only some excellent tackling and rucking from Lewis Hesketh and Alex Wood kept them at bay.

Colne opened the scoring when, following a series of phases, Jamie Gane hit a great line and fed Matt Tindall to round the last defender and dot the ball down. Tom Handforth slotted over the conversion.

The home side dominated the next 10 minutes. Carl Wiseman was making his trademark runs and thwarting everything Bolton could muster.

A second try should have come in this period but Colne fluffed a two on one opportunity, as Jamie Gane’s pass to Tindall went array. It was Tindall’s last involvement as the injured full back was replaced by Tom Davies.

But the reshuffle did not slow Colne’s momentum and they looked to kick on and put more points on the board.

And they did just that when Ernst Tino was tackled just short of the line but popped a pass back inside to Gane to score.

The half ended with Handforth slotting over a penalty.

Bolton had to wake up and they did just that after break when they scored two quick tries, one of which was converted to cut the gap to 15-12.

But it wasn’t long before Colne were back into their stride, matching everything Bolton threw at them with Hargreaves, Wiseman and Gary Kenyon all excellent over the ball.

With 10 minutes to go, man-of-the-match Tino took the ball on the 22. Stepping inside and looking certain to score, the covering Bolton player took him high and the referee had no option but to award the penalty try - and send the Bolton player for an early bath.

With the man advantage, Colne were not finished and Tino crossed for a fourth try which Handforth converted then added a penalty to make it 33-12.

Captain Padgett said: “Without doubt, the most satisfying victory for the team in a long time. The dedication and teamwork from all 18 lads was outstanding and a true team effort to beat the top of the table.”

Head Coach Tindall, added: “The partnerships between local businesses and the club shows how far the club is moving in the right direction off the pitch.

“With an average of 25 seniors training twice a week, the hard work off the pitch is now starting to be replicated on the pitch through results like this.”

* The club thanked Lloyds BMW and Mini who have provided the pitch surrounds and shorts, Janitorial UK for the 1st XV shirts and Wood Building Services for the warm up T-Shirts.