Bury 19 Didsbury Toc H 5

ON a brilliant, bright winter's day, Bury welcomed the visitors, but the underfoot conditions were poor, writes MIKE JONES.

Bury's drainage system simply could not cope with the torrential rain we've had recently.

Toc H were a much improved side from last season and dominated for the first 20 minutes. Their reward was a try, which resulted from a line-out ball on the Bury 10-metre line moved crossfield and the full-back coming in on the overlap to score an unconverted try in the right corner.

This was a wake-up call for Bury, who, unusually, were struggling in the set scrum, a heavier pack and the underfoot conditions meant Bury could not lock-out on the drive and, in these circumstances, weight is at a premium.

Bury were able to compensate, however, being far superior in loose play and the last seven minutes of the first-half saw a points blitz, starting with two penalties from Keith Webb in the 33rd and 35th minute.

In the last minute of normal time, Bury were to work the best try of the game.

A chipped kick over the approaching full-back, who turned to gather the ball and was tackled in possession and was penalised for failing to release, stand-off Glynn Smith advanced the ball to five metres of the try-line. Bury won the line, formed a rolliong-maul and tight-head prop Jason Smythe came off the side to score, Webb adding the conversion. The half-time team-talk paid dividends for Bury, addressing the problems in the set scrum and a change of technique and a switch of second rows saw, immediately at the re-start that the Toc H set scrum was under control.

The second period was not a treat for spectators in terms of running open rugby, but as an exercise in clinical control, particularly in defence, it was outstanding.

A drop-goal by stand-off Smith after 60 minutes added to ten minutes later by another penalty from full-back Keith Webb, sealed the game for Bury.

One more try was on offer when Matt Fawcett was stopped 15 metres out after one of his usual bullocking runs.

Individual players of note were Phil Marsh, returning after a 10-year absence while in the service of his country. Utility player Matt Fawcett, normally plays at centre, but on this occasion filled the number 8 role with credit.

Mick Smithson, who had moved into the second row and despite being a sepcialist back-row forward acquitted himself well.

The Man-of-the-Match was "Mr Perpetual Motion" Bernard Robinson. Recapturing the form that has eluded him of late, returning with interest.

Bury consolidated their position as second in the league behind Fleetwood, who are four points clear, but two teams below Bury all lost and Trafford MV are now four points adrift having played the same number of games and near neighbours Eccles four points behind with no games in hand.

BURY: Smythe, Whitehead, Marshall, Kennedy, Smithson, Robinson, Fawcett, Westwood (C), Livesey, Smith Fielding, Marsh, Webb I, Stott, Webb K. Substitute: Wardell (for Stott 62mins).

Tomorrow week sees the visit of Liverpool Collegiate to the Radcliffe Road ground (kick-off 2.30pm) in the Lancashire Trophy.