Bury travelled to Carnforth bolstered by the return of Ian Marshall after a four-year absence, and the euphoria of having scored 17 tries in their previous league game.

The visitors opened the scoring after three minutes. The ball was moved quickly across the field, and outside centre Matt Hindley released wing Dan Palmeiri for an unconverted try. The home side replied with a penalty from 20 metres followed by a try 20 minutes later, which was converted.

The pitch, which was treacherous underfoot, robbed Bury of a try after Palmeiri made 35 metres downfield, slid, regained his footing and grounded the ball, but he was deemed to have put a foot into touch.

Carnforth rounded off the half with a penalty and went in at the interval eight points.

Bury thought they had scored a try early in the second half when, in a bizarre incident, Hindley grounded what appeared to be a valid try, but he placed the ball over the wrong line – the Carnforth ground also doubles up as a football pitch and therefore shares markings.

Five minutes later, Bury opened their second period account when Sam Ware went over for an unconverted try.

A high kick by stand-off Shedwick and a fine upfield move by full-back Paul McGarraghy saw the latter gather and ground under the post for an unconverted try However, the home side had the final say, scoring a try in the last minute to run out 25-17 winners.

On Saturday, Bury entertain Eagle at Radcliffe Road, kick off 3pm.