BOLTON Mets suffered a heavy 50-12 defeat at home to Wigan Bulldogs.

The result leaves Mets ninth in the North West Men's League Division Three table on four points, but level with both the teams above them.

The Bulldogs made the brighter start and quickly established a 4-0 lead.

Bolton hopes were raised when Brett Robinson scored after Mets had forced a scrum 15 metres from the try line. Stephen Taylor converted to make it 6-4 to Bolton.

Wigan reclaimed the lead after a spell of indiscipline from Mets which saw the visitors score twice from penalties, with one being converted to make it 14-6 to the visiting side.

Mets were back in it after excellent work from the forward pack gave them field position before Paul Hancock sent Robinson over for his second of the game.

Keith Stanley converted to make it 14-12 with just 10 minutes remaining in the half.

But it was the Bulldogs who had the final say of the opening 40 with two quickfire tries to make it 26-12 at the break.

Bolton stepped up defensively for the first 25 minutes of the second half, but following three injuries, including a broken collarbone for Stanley, Bolton were soon put to the sword.

The Bulldogs ran in try after unanswered try as the hardworking Mets defence tired in the humid heat.

Bolton have a week off to regroup before returning to action on Saturday week against table-topping Pilkington Recs.

Westhoughton Lions beat Culcheth Eagles 38-12 at home in Division Four.