BURY Broncos' third adult team played their first-ever game when they travelled to the University of Manchester on Saturday.

The sides were well-matched during a fiercely-contest game which saw the home side claim a narrow 36-35 win.

Due to absences both sides were forced into making changes with a few second team players turning out for the Broncos, while the Manchester side played a number of first string players. Bury's Jonno Taylor lined up for the hosts, while Sean Kelly who plays for both teams, also opted to play for the university side. Broncos handed debuts to Danny Weinburg, Paul Bretherton, Jay Rawlinson and Nick Cooper, and all played well.

The student side led 20-18 at half time with Blake Roberts scoring twice and Anthony Crumlish adding another for the Broncos, with further points from Ben Jenks, Chris Lynch and Steve Critchley.

Second half tries from Joe Galpin and 17-year-old Tyler Nolan, as well as a conversion apiece from Roberts and Crumlish, saw the Broncos draw level at 30-30 with nine minutes remaining.

Crumlish's dropped goal gave the visitors a one-point advantage but some weak defensive play allowed the university side to score a converted try to lead 36 -31.

Despite a late Critchley try, the Broncos were unable to convert as the student side claimed the win.