Wigan Keepers 32 Bolton Mets 58
Tries: Paul Wilcock , Gary Hill , Adam Ryan , Michael Horrabin, Dave Bruin(2) , Joe Harte, Neil Walsh, Ryan Terry, Nathan DoddGoals: Chris Clark (7), Dave Bruin (2)
Man of the Match: Dave Bruin
Bolton Mets kicked off the new season with an away trip to face Wigan Bulldogs on saturday. After last weeks opener was lost to the weather, a bright and sunny day led to a patchy but perfect start for the Mets. Player coach Paul Wilcock went over for the first try early on from close range. Prop Gary Hill then barged over from 10 metres out, quickly followed by some great ball work which led to winger Adam Ryan going over in the corner. Sloppy defence by Bolton led to three quick tries for Wigan which gave them an 18-16 lead. Another great handling move saw Joe Harte send Michael Horrobin over the line. Chris Clark added a penalty to give the Mets a 24-18 lead at half time.
Bolton started brightly in the second half, a break from Ryan Terry supported well by Dave Bruen saw the half back get his first try of the game. A tap penalty from Joe Harte with his trademark dummy let him stroll over the line. Two Wigan tries either side of centre Neil Walsh going over from close range for Bolton made the score 40-26. The Mets then showed some of their true form with three consecutive tries. Firstly a typical defence scattering run by prop Ryan Terry saw him score, Dave Bruen then jinxed through the line showing some of his true potential to score his second try under the sticks. Bolton's 10th and final try of the day was the highlight. Prop forward Nathan Dodd scored his first try for the club, with a 30 metre run breaking the line and bumping off two defenders to get the ball down over the line. Wigan added their 6th try to give a final score of 58-32 to the Mets.
Chris Clark kicked 7 out of 8 and Man of the Match Dave Bruen kicked 2 out of 3. Second MOM was Adam Ryan and third was Gary Hill.
Player coach Paul Wilcock said "It was good to score 58 points but defence was an issue. We've got plenty of things to work on in training but it was a nice start to the season".