RUGBY UNION: Bonus point for leaders Bury as Mossley are beaten

From the kick-off, the Radcliffe Road men showed their attacking intent and with a show of power and technique, Bury forced a knock on.

From the scrum, number eight Rob Plant picked up the ball and barrelled his way over the line for the opening try. The conversion was a formality for Adam Heath, who stroked the ball between the posts with ease.

With a strong wind at their backs, Bury continued to dominate up front and having tightened at the ruck began to apply further pressure on the visitors.

Second row Mark Blain latched on to a loose Mossley pass and, despite being chased by the opposition backline, ran 60 metres to power home Bury's second try with Heath again adding the conversion.

With their tails up, Bury continued to apply pressure and were convinced that a bonus point was there for the taking.

Another scrum eight metres from the opposition try line saw a similar outcome to the opening try of the game. Again the Bury pack, led by captain Jonny Allen, was able to get the upper hand and roll forwards toward the Mossley Hill try line. This time Plant was able to control the ball at the back of the scrum and dot the ball down for a simple try. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 19-0.

Bury's defence was caught out as Mossley opened their account with their first piece of structured play. The conversion, however, was missed.

Still chasing the bonus point, Bury pushed forward again and on the stroke of half time, back row Ben Holland crashed through to ground the ball and seal the bonus point with Bury leading 24-5.

Mossley Hill were eventually able to make the most of the weather conditions, and after a kick into the Bury 22, the opposition were able to work the ball to the blind side of a ruck and cross the line for their second try of the afternoon. The conversion was kicked successfully but Bury held out for the victory.

Bury travel to Newton-Le-Willows on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.