In a top of the table clash, Bury faced an unbeaten team from Pendle.

Bury RUFC 8 - Pendle 12

In a top of the table clash, Bury faced an unbeaten team from Pendle. Although Bury had the upper hand in terms of possession and territory, Pendle were to run out the winners in a 8-12 close encounter.

With the wind behind them, Bury started brightly attacking the Pendle 22 metre line with great ferocity and intent, a turn over from Graham Bigg in centre field setting the tempo. The early pressure in all areas of play failed to bloom into the conversion of points.

With twenty minutes gone, Pendle were to strike first with their inside centre crashing through the middle of the Bury back line. The conversion was successful and the visitors took a seven point lead.

Bury continued their dominance, with the pack being a real force, led by captain Jonny Allen, Ed Watkins and James Swinburn. Their first points of the game were to come from the boot of Fly-half Adam Heath to reduce the Pendle lead to 3-7.

Bury thought that they had taken the lead when a clever cross field kick was grounded by winger Sam Ware, only for the badly placed referee to fail to see the grounding and deny the home side.

After half time, Bury turned to face the conditions yet continued to press the Pendle line in search of a lead. However it was Pendle who were to score against the run of play, with a quick tap penalty following a dubious infringement. The conversion was missed.

Again, with the score at 3-12, Bury were to apply further pressure with fast flowing attack play from the back line of Dan Palmieri, Liam Hampson, George Kelly, Dan Scanlon and Callum Paton. Bury were eventually to be rewarded for their efforts with a try through winger Sam Ware. The Bury front row of Jake Greenalgh, Declan Hampson and Lee Slingsby were able to win the ball at the scrum against the head. With quick hands from the back line and great rucking by back row forwards Jordan Miller, Alex English and Chris Potts, the ball was moved quickly to Sam Ware who was able to outpace the flailing defensive line and score in the corner. The conversion was missed and the score stood at 8-12.

As Bury continued to push for a winner, Pendle's defence held strong and denied Bury their much sought after win.

Bury will now have a four week break from the league, but will be looking to play some friendlies to keep their sharpness and improve a few areas before their next competitive fixture.