BURY Broncos suffered a hugely disappointing 36-28 defeat at Halton Farnworth Hornets, which means their promotion hopes now rest on other results going their way.

The team went in to the game after a three-week break and never really got into their stride in the first 20 minutes, conceding eight penalties to trail 14-0.

Through Sloan and Nolan Bury started to get some field position and after Willis' grubber-kick was well collected by Kelly he went over for the Broncos' first try, converted by Roberts to make it 14-6 at half time.

Halton took advantage of poor defence to go over out wide for the first score of the second half to lead 20-6 but Bury fought back when Kelly wriggled his way over for his second try, Roberts' kick making it 20-12. Halton extended their lead once more but Bury responded as centre Sixsmith crashed over with Roberts again kicking the extras. When Bluer squeezed in at the corner the score was 26-22 and when Willis combined with Roberts for a great try the scores were level. Roberts' kick gave Bury their first lead of the day but it did not last as possession was stolen by Halton’s prop who went over for a 30-28 lead.

A desperate late effort from Bury saw Halton snatch a last-second try to make the final score 36-28.

Coach Dave Kelly said: “It was a strange game. At times we looked disorganised and at others played some good football. I have no doubt that the three week layoff did not help matters but either way the team are now relying on other results. There is still life in this season and it is vital we finish on a high against Manchester Rangers. Fingers crossed we can continue into the play-offs."

Bury Broncos' second team also lost, as visitors Culcheth Eagles ran in nine unanswered tries to win 60-6.