BURY RUFC...11 ECCLES RUFC...12 - WITH league fixtures on hold due to the international season, Bury entertained Eccles from the league below in a friendly at Radcliffe Road.

Having been promoted from that section last year, it was assumed that the game would be entertaining but the result a foregone conclusion, with Bury walking away with the honours.

This was emphasised before the game with Eccles only playing half of their normal first team, and Bury with a virtual full strength side. How wrong can one be?

The game began with the usual tactics of each side testing the strengths and weaknesses, with Bury just gaining the upperhand.

Six minutes into play, a scrum 10 metres from the Eccles line resulted in an unconverted try after the break by Smith who fed Fielding to score in the corner. The home spectators were convinced that this would be the start of the rout and the game would come alive.

The Bury team as a whole appeared to have adopted the attitude that the game was of no consequence, and the majority of players sat back assuming the game would be won by some twist of fate without any undue effort.

Eccles, however, realised that the game was there for the taking. Their players felt the game was important and even with their diluted side, they constantly chipped away at the Bury defence.

By half-time Bury had only increased their lead by three points from a penalty, and turned round 8-0 in front. The Eccles pack increased their determination to score and as a result of poor defence by Bury, the pressure resulted in an unconverted try.

With still no increase in effort by the Bury side, the game continued to be a non-event. Poor handling by Bury from opposition kicks, line-out ball mediocrity, mauls and rucks left uncontested -- the list was endless.

A penalty awarded to Bury brought the score to 11-5 in Bury's favour, and with only five minutes to go, the Bury side mentally went of the pitch to watch the England international.

Unfortunately Eccles stayed, and with only two minutes to go scrambled a try in the corner. In just reward for their determination and effort, after having a poor day kicking. Eccles managed to convert and gain the winning point.

Despite the continued efforts of the captain, John Westwood, a majority of the Bury side will not take responsibility for their own game.

Week in and week out, although on paper the team has skill and class, it very rarely appears. Determination, honest graft and the will to compete in all aspects of play is not regular enough. Each player should analyse his own game, and contribution to the team effort.

With a couple of results in re-arranged league games not going in Bury's favour, the last games of the league fixtures could be very damaging if attitude and application does not drastically alter.