BURY put in a much-improved performance at home to Didsbury Toc H but continue to search for their first win of the league season after falling to an 18-10 defeat.

The Rams lost the reverse fixture 55-3 and struggled to gain a foothold in the first half as they went into the break 13-3 down.

But they rallied in the second half and will take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s match at Garstang.

The visitors started the stronger of the two teams and some strong tackling from Dom Bennett and Joe Kelly could only delay Didsbury from crossing over for the opening try.

The restart from Luke Cleary was hit with pin point precision and Disbury’s exit strategy was shut down much quicker this time with some great tackling from Ben Holland and Olly Frechini. Then hooker, Jonny Allen was able to win a penalty at the break down for the tackled player not releasing in front of the visitor’s posts.

The penalty was slotted with ease and gave Bury their first points of the afternoon.

Bury were reduced to 14 players after Allen was adjudged to have been competing at the ruck illegally and Didsbury capitalised to increase their lead with another try.

The visitors added to their lead with two penalties after the break but Tai Tupou showed great strength to drag three players over the try line with him to round off the scoring for Bury.