Bury became the champions of Lancashire League Division Two for the first time, despite their first defeat of the season in the final league match.

A depleted Bury side pocketed the four frames they need to clinch the title but not without a few wobbles along the way. A nightmare start to the match left Bury sweating as they fell 6-1 behind, Mike Giles being the sole winner for the away side.

Back though came the champions elect, showing all the determination and quality which had carried them through the year successfully. A fantastic finish from a player in his twilight years, Steve Beaumont, plus a win by Julian Haigh, put Bury within one frame of their target.

Step forward Steve Trayford, who held his nerve to take out a monster finish to great celebration from his team mates. Despite three more wins, including a second win for Haigh and a small dish from Steve Fitzgerald and a magnificent 8 ball clearance from Giles, it was the Atherton & Westhoughton side that claimed the match victory 11-7.

But the overall spoils went to the newly crowned champions. It was a double celebration for the Bury team as they claimed three of the top four places in Division Two individual regional rankings. Mike Giles topped the region, with Julian Haigh taking the runners up spot and Neil Gaunt in fourth place.

The team face a tough test this Sunday at Stephen Hendry’s Snooker Club in Preston where they face Lancaster in a play off for a place at the National Finals in Great Yarmouth in Mach 2014.