INJURIES and work commitments left Bury Broncos low on number at the weekend, forcing four of the club's committee and coaching staff to fill in the gaps in the first team.

But despite putting in an understandably disjointed display they ground out a 39-24 victory at home to Crosfields A to progress to the quarter-finals of the North West Men's League Trophy.

The visitors took the lead after 11 minutes when some poor defence allowed their second row to score under the posts.

Broncos hit back almost immediately when young Harry Coleman dummied his way over for a well-taken try, which he then goaled to level the scores.

The next try was a great solo effort from Kiwi debutant Brad Cave, who stepped his way past several defenders for a great individual score, before Coleman kicked and followed it up with another try to make it 16-6.

However, poor defence allowed the Crosfields full-back to score a converted try before unforced errors gave the visitors the ball in their half and they took advantage to score out wide and claim a two-point lead by half time.

The break did Broncos some good, with Jonno Taylor crashing over under the sticks at the start of the second half, then Warren Bluer finishing well in the corner to put Bury back in control.

Cave produced another great individual try to extend Broncos' advantage to 34-18 and Bluer added his second following a 50-yard break to give Bury a 20-point cushion with the help of Coleman’s trusty boot

Crosfields scored what proved to be a consolation try to give them the faintest hope before Coleman rounded off the scoring with a cheeky drop goal as time ran out.

Coach Dave Kelly said: “I thought four players were outstanding – the two props Sloan and Taylor and the two halves Harry Coleman, who was playing out of position, and newcomer Brad Cave, who will be a huge asset when he settles into the team and any jet lag is behind him.

"As ever, though, it was a team win, the fourth in four games.

"There is still lots to work to do and the players know that we will have to be much better next week against Leyland Warriors.”

Bury A were knocked out of the North West Men’s League Shield following a 66-6 defeat at a very strong Orrell St James.

The side only had 15 players available, four of whom were making their first appearances of the season, so Bury were always facing an uphill task.

Broncos had to use there only two substitutes, Rob Gehlhaar and Ryan Lewis, after 10 minutes when David Donnelly was concussed in a tackle that also left him with broken fingers and Mark Brocklehurst tore his bicep and pectoral muscle in a challenge.

At that point Bury were already 6-0 down but quickly replied with a score of their own.

Dave Latham made a terrific catch after the Broncos forced a dropout and brought the ball close to the line.

A scoot from Danny Kelly took them closer, before the ball was sent to Matthew Fish who stretched over the line for the try.

Despite the try, the visitors went into the break trailing 24-6 and tiredness told in the second half when they were reduced to 12 men following a brawl.

Mike Palin stubbornly stayed on the pitch to finish the game despite breaking his ribs.