The first team of Bolton RUFC put in a big effort but lost 43-8 at West Park (St Helens) in Counties One ADM Lancashire and Cheshire League.

After a disappointing loss at home to Tarleton, Bolton immediately applied pressure on the West Park pack, resulting in a penalty Ross Hayden effortlessly converted, giving them an early 3-0 lead.

Throughout the first half, Bolton showcased determined efforts, with notable dynamic runs from players such as Rory Biggins, Myk Walker, and Morgan Smith.

Despite this, West Park capitalised on their opportunities, with a breakaway try from their backs and another coming from some solid carrying from their pack securing a 14-3 advantage by half time.

In the second half, Bolton endeavoured to invigorate their back line, with Kieran Shacklock and Jonny Wallis looking good going forward.

This allowed Josh and Milo Holmes the chance to showcase their footwork and create space out wide.

However, lapses in discipline allowed West Park to extend their lead to 21-3 from their driving maul.

Bolton recommenced with a kick off directed towards the West Park fly-half, who subsequently executed a clearance kick to touch.

However, a late tackle by Thomas Evans resulted in him leaving the field, following a yellow card.

Some great defence on Bolton’s own line from Haidar Maliki saw them clear their lines, however after an altercation with a West Park player, he was also shown a yellow card with the West Park player shown a red.

The Bolton pack showed great power at scrum time, held solid by Ste Walker and Dave O’Byrne - at 62 years young.

This laid the groundwork for Bolton man-of-the-match, Paul Leigh, to display his salsa moves, evading numerous tackles and making significant yards, driving his side forward.

But this did not last long, with West Park regaining possession through a penalty and electing to kick the ball to touch.

Evans, seemingly determined to make amends for his earlier yellow card, leapt like a salmon to steal the ball unassisted, momentarily halting West Park’s momentum.

However, the hosts again, determined to make up for this, fought hard for possession, scoring two more tries in quick succession taking the score to 33-3.

Impressive ball-carrying efforts from Danny Ash and Matt Robinson propelled Bolton forward up the field and following a series of hard-earned yards, Dan Southworth, positioned off his wing, received a short pass, broke the initial tackle, and powered over the line to secure his first try of the season.

Despite narrowing the deficit to 33-8, it proved insufficient as West Park added two more tries to seal a big home win.

Bolton’s best efforts were not enough on the day, acknowledging the need to regroup and rediscover their form ahead of their fixture in Wilmslow on Saturday.