Bury 5, Burnley 58 North Lancs League One:

THERE were 10 tries scored in Saturday's encounter at the Radcliffe Road ground, unfortunately Bury only accounted for one of these.

Ironically one of the best tries of the match was finished off by Paul McGarraghy.

But this was all too little and, far too late.

Though Bury had a reasonable amount of possession from the pack, the three quarters lacked both cohesion and commitment.

Considering that Burnley last season were almost on a par with Bury, this match forms a yard stick by which to judge how Bury are likely to perform for the rest of the season.

On this performance the outlook is bleak. Without an influx of senior skilled players it is difficult to see how marked improvements can be made with the existing squad.

All the effort in the world will not compensate for lack of talent. However the converse is also true - talent without commitment produces nothing.

This Saturday's league fixture is yet to be arranged. However, the second round of the Lancashire Cup takes place at Liverpool Collegiate. Kick-off is 2.30pm on Sunday.