Bury 24 - Mossley Hill 12

Bury RUFC 1st XV returned to their home ground of Radcliffe road looking to return to form and get their promotion challenge back on track. With a much changed side from the one that was fielded two weeks previously, Bury were able to run out comfortable winners against Mossley Hill in a 24-12 victory.
From the kick-off, Bury showed their intent and determination to attack the heart of the Mossley defence. Which a show of power and technique the home side were able to gain territory and force a knock on from the opposition. From the resulting scrum, the Bury pack were able to exert there domination and pushed the visitors pack back at a rate of knots. Struggling to control the ball, due to the speed at which the scrum was going forward, number eight Rob Plant decided to pick up the ball and barrel his way over the line for the opening try. The conversion was a formality for Adam Jeff Heath, who stroked the ball between the posts with great ease.
With a strong wind at their backs the home side continued to dominate up front and having tightened up their work at the ruck began to apply further pressure on the visitors. A loose pass from Mossley Hill allowed second row, Mark Blain to latch on to it and race sixty metres whilst being chased by the opposition back line. The powerhouse was not to be caught and had the try line in sight and with an elegant swan dive increased the lead further. The conversion was again scored by Adam Geoff Heath.
With their tails up, Bury continued to apply pressure and were convinced that a bonus point was there for the taking. Another scrum eight metres from the opposition try line saw a similar outcome to the opening try of the game. Again the Bury pack, led by captain Jonny Allen, was able to get the upper hand and roll forwards toward the Mossley Hill try line. This time Robert Plant was able to control the ball at the back of the scrum and dot the ball down for a simple try. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 19-0.
In their first piece of structured play, the opposition were to open their account next. With the ball played quickly from a penalty, the Bury defence were caught out and a tidy passing move allowed the Mossley winger to score in the corner. The conversion was missed.
Still chasing the bonus point, Bury were to push forward again. The break was to come just before the stroke of half time, with the marauding back row, Ben Holland, being fed the ball from scrum half, Dan Palmieri, he crashed through a plethora of failed tackles to ground the ball and seal the bonus point. The conversion was missed and the score stood at 24-5.
With the wind now against them, Bury knew that they would have to change their tactics and adapt to the conditions as best they could. In the opening twenty minutes the game was to become an even contest with little action of note. The possession and territory being shared equally between the teams and errors ensuring scrubs, penalties and free kicks a plenty.
With changes being made from both sides, Mossley Hill were eventually able to make the most of the weather conditions and after a kick into the Bury twenty-two, the opposition were able to work the ball to the blind side of a ruck and cross the line for their second try of the afternoon. The conversion was kicked successfully to make the score 24-12.
The final ten minutes of the half were played out in the same vein as the first, with both teams cancelling each other out. The game ended 24-12, with Bury picking up a winning bonus point and the visitors leaving empty handed.
Bury travel to Newton-Le-Willows next week for their league fixture. 2:15pm kick off.
Andy Townsend.