Mossley Hill 16 - Bury RUFC 18

Bury travelled to Mossley Hill following a free weekend looking to build on their previous victories and were able to run out victors by two points in a narrow 16-18 victory.

In what was to prove to be a scrappy affair, the first fifteen minutes saw both sides waste opportunities in their opponents 22. However, Mossley Hill opened the scoring with a penalty in front of the posts after a Bury infringement, and with this the game came alive. Bury responded quickly to going three points down when Ed Watkins drove the ball forty metres up the pitch breaking tackles at will before offloading to centre Mark Campbell passed to Elliott Naylor who took it on a further 20 metres, however a last ditch tackle from the Mossley fullback denied him from going over the White wash. The ball was recycled and again Watkins battled forward before releasing the inform winger, Elliott Naylor, for his third try in three games. The conversion was missed.

Mossley Hill were to respond next and an interception saw them regain the lead and with a converted try the score sat at 10-5. Bury were to again respond with their never say die attitude. A well worked move through the backs saw the ball moved quickly across the pitch with interlinking between George Kelly, Callum Paton and Sam Ware. The ball was then moved back inside and Adam Heath was able to dance through the gap and cross the line to tie the score.

As the sides swapped halves, Bury were able to edge into the lead with a penalty just over the half way line. To increase the lead Bury were to score their third and final try of the afternoon through scrum half Karl Simpson. Following a great burst from powerhouse second row, James Swinburn, an offload found George Kelly with only the full back to beat. A clever offload to supporting Karl Simpson saw cruise under the posts to increase the score to 18-10.

The final thirty minutes of the game epitomised the defensive work Bury have been working on and although camped in their own 22 metres and playing up the hill were able to keep the onslaught down to just two converted penalties.

The well-earned victory sees Bury continue to push towards the top of the table. Next week they host Newton-le-Willows at Radcliffe Road with a 3pm kick-off.