Bury secure win to help with pursuit of a promotion place

The game began with Bury playing a fast paced game and moving the ball around. With possession and territory the visitors built a high amount of pressure on the home side in all areas of play. Bury were to eventually reap the rewards with a break through following some slick handling by hooker Alan Dobson and second row Dan Walsh. This allowed captain Jonny Allen to make a break in the centre of the field and score to the right of the posts. The score was converted with ease by fly half Adam Heath.

The home side were to then enjoy a period of possession, but with a stern defence were unable to penetrate the Bury line and were to go unrewarded.

Bury were to again increase the tempo of the game and after some intricate play by winger George Kelly and centre Matt Hindley, Ed Watkins was able to pick a gap and score Bury's second try of the afternoon. The conversion by Heath was again successful from a difficult angle.

Bury were to continue their dominance and from a steal of the ball against the head at the scrum, the ball was spread wide by Dan Palmieri to Tom O'Brien who was able to draw two defenders and put Liam Hampson through for Bury's third try. The conversion was missed as a strong wind had risen and carried the ball narrowly wide. At the half time interval Bury led by 19-0.

After the break Bury were to again a apply pressure to the Clitheroe defence and opened the scoring with a long range penalty by Adam Heath following a deemed infringement at the break down. This score increased the visitors lead to 22-0.

The home side were to finally cross the Bury line next, but with the referee well placed the try was disallowed after it was adjudged to have been a knock on over the line.

With a bonus point still required, Ed Watkins was to deliver with his second try of the afternoon. Following a line out take by Dan Walsh and a drive by the Bury Pack with powerhouses Mark Blain and Lee Slingsby in the engine room. The ball was fed along the Bury back line with crisp movement and fluid handling from Heath, Jordan Miller and Callum Patton. The ball was then worked back towards the Bury Pack and with great vision from Alex English to find Watkins in space resulted in the try. Again with a swirling wind the conversion was narrowly missed.

Bury finish their season at home to Colne and Nelson next Saturday 18th April at Radcliffe Rd. Kick off 3pm.

Andy Townsend