Bury played host to fourth-placed Warrington Vikings on Friday, with confidence high after beating them in the previous three meetings.

Bury made a bright start with Phil Stainton hitting from long range and centres Bart Szareko and Connor Wilkinson contributing. Veteran Stu Jackson added to the score to make it 19-14 before Chris Stainton hit a three to help Bury build momentum going into the second quarter.

The attack of the Stainton brothers pushed the lead to 12 and with points from Graham Greene, Bury looked in control going into the half leading 42-34.

The third quarter was a backwards and forwards affair with Ergoli Togo hitting the mark.

Warrington also found their rhythm but with Szareko and Chris Stainton hitting the mark, Bury held a slight 64-59 edge.

Defensively Bury limited the visitors options, holding them to only 10 points and with only two minutes remaining Bury held a four point lead. Composure, however, seemed to fail them as they allowed Warrington two easy baskets.

As the game headed into overtime, a tired Bury side only managed to score a further five points.

Warrington proved they had the edge, staying composed and eventually won 82-77.

Coach Nichols said: “We had the game. It was ours to lose and we snatched defeat from the claws of victory. “We were undermanned in the guard position which caused an imbalance at times.

“Credit to Warrington who wanted it more.”