BURY Broncos coach Dave Kelly believes Saturday's performance at Widnes Tigers pointed to a bright future at the club, despite them suffering a heart-breaking last-gasp defeat.

They looked set to take their tally to five wins from six matches in Division Two of the North West Mens League before the Tigers levelled with 10 minutes to play.

The game could have gone either way in the closing moments, with the Broncos' Sean Kelly being held up on the Tigers line.

But it was the home team who had the final word when, on the last play of the game, their scrum-half dummied his way through and sent the winger in at the corner to seal a 36-32 victory.

Kelly said: "In truth, everyone played well, which makes it such a difficult defeat to take.

"The irony was, this was one of our best performances of the season and we have come away empty handed.

"But all the lads who played know it could well be a different story when Widnes visit us.

"Coach Liam Owen and I were pleased with the lads who stepped up, and it showed the strength in depth the club is now developing."

A total of 10 first-team players were unavailable for selection, with coach Liam Owen one of the men who answered the call to fill in.

Sean Kelly and Warren Bluer both scored two tries in the opening half, while David Kelly also went over and Blake Roberts kicked five conversions as Broncos went into the break leading 28-16.

Roberts converted his own try early in the second half, but with only 16 players they tired and were eventually pipped at the death.

The focus this weekend switches to the cup, with the firsts at Oldham St Annes A and the seconds at home to local rivals Langworthy.