RUGBY UNION: THIS was not a game for the purists on a day with gusts up to 60mph as Bury were unfortunate to slip to a narrow defeat.

They dominated for the first 30 minutes but lacked the necessary penetration and were unable to utilise Richard Green’s acceleration.

However, Bury got within striking distance on three occasions, but they were unable convert their advantage into points in the difficult conditions.

Even a relatively simple penalty from 20 metres was pushed off target by the wind.

In the 32nd minute the number eight of Birchfield was sent off for violent play after stamping on one of the Bury players.

The yellow card and a 10-minute penalty was inappropriate; it should have been immediate red and dismissal.

Bury shot themselves in the foot on 38 minutes when full back Robinson gathered a kick in the deep from Birchfield and, in attempting to pass to his wing support, it was intercepted 20 metres out and the winger cantered in for a try in the corner which was converted.

The game was there for the taking in the first 20 minutes of the second half with tactical replacements in Jon Allen and Brad Tuff entering the fray.

But Birchfield added an excellent penalty from 30 metres when the home side were adjudged to have handled in the ruck.

Bury continued to press but struggled for lineout ball. Gareth Wolstencroft had to retire through injury and, try as they did, Bury could just not cross the line.

But, with only 10 minutes to go, a tactical substitution saw the introduction of player-coach Alex Isherwood.

Normally a flank forward, he went on to the right wing and, in a last-ditch effort, he and Dan Scanlon linked to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Birchfield were lucky and the result should be reversed when Bury visit them in the New Year.

Bury travel to the Oldham ground of Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday, kick off 3pm.