BURY RUFC remain rooted to the bottom of the Lancashire (North) table following a 21-20 defeat at fellow strugglers North Manchester on Saturday.

Despite the narrow loss, the Rams did pick up their first losing bonus point of the season in the closely fought encounter.

Due to the physical nature of the game, Bury lost both Jonny Allen and Chris Potts to injury in the opening minutes. But the visitors reaped their rewards for good attacking play when Alan Dobson opened the scoring with an unconverted try in the corner on 10 minutes.

Some quick thinking from scrum-half Tom Smith to switch the play and quick hands from Ed Watkins released Dobson who was able to slide over evading the two wrong-footed defenders.

North Manchester, stunned by the resilience of the visitors, replied with a penalty before Bury struck again.

A line-out drive powered by second rows, James Swinburn and Mark Blain, allowed Oliver Frechini to score comfortably on the left-hand side. Tom Smith added the conversion to extend Bury's lead.

North Manchester took advantage of an inexperienced Bury backline to score under the posts. The conversion was added as the hosts reduced the arrears to two points.

A confident North Manchester side scored a controversial third try to take the lead for the first time and as tempers began to fray a player from each side was dismissed to the sin bin.

The Rams held an extensive period of territory in the North Manchester half during the second period and after a penalty was kicked into touch, Bury had a succession of five-metre lineouts but could not repeat their feat of the first half against an organised home pack.

When the hosts were reduced to 14 again, Bury took advantage to draw the scores level at 13-13.

However, North Manchester regained the lead with a converted try to lead 21-13 with 10 minutes remaining.

But after some quick distribution from Will Smith along the line, the ball found its way to the left wing where Alex English was able to make up ground to score to the left of the posts. The conversion was kicked successfully as Bury clawed their way back into the game.

The never-say-die Rams piled the pressure on in the final minutes but they were unable to find the winning score.

Basement side Bury host closest rivals Ormskirk at Radcliffe Road on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.