Must win game for Bury keep to them in contention for promotion

Bury hosted Eagle in a must win game to stay in contention for promotion.

The home side started strongly from the kick off penning Eagle back in their 22 for the opening 15 minutes. The Bury pack surprisingly were the dominant force in both set and open play. This pressure ultimately resulted in a penalty 10 metres from the visitors line for which they opted to take the scrum as a result of their earlier dominance. The Eagle pack struggled to hold Bury and were steadily nudged back to their line which finally resulted in a push over try scored by the Number 8 Rob Plant.

Eagle responded well moving the ball well through hand in less then favourable conditions. In a strong phase of play the visitors capitalised on the back of some weak tackling and executed a good move to cross Bury's line bringing the score level at 5 - 5 for the interval.

In the second half both sides attacked and defended well in a tight contest. However, it was Bury who stepped up the pace with the forwards punching holes through the Eagle defensive line. Bury recycled the ball quickly for several phases working the ball well to the open channels which ultimately resulted in the final phase seeing Ed Watkins run in for a well deserved try from 20 metres out.

From the returning kick off Bury kept the pressure on working hard at the breakdown and ensuring quick phase ball which Eagle struggled to defend. This continued pressure pushed Eagle back deep into their own half and allowed Watkins his second well deserved try on 20 minutes. Bury kept control but some loose tackling in open play saw Eagle make good ground and Bury giving away a penalty close to their own line. The defence were caught napping as Eagle took a quick tap and went over to score their second try closing the score to 15 - 10.

Although this gave the visitors enthusiasm to push forward Bury's defence was firm and forced errors from the opposition. This continued and finally the Bury pack were awarded a scrum following a knock on which was the final play seeing Bury victorious and keeping their challenge for the league very much alive.