Bury held off a spirited Colne & Nelson fightback to secure a hard-earned 19-17 victory on an autumn afternoon ideally suited to running rugby.
The visitors made a bright start and gained early territory through Oscar Loftus’ 50:22 kick before sustained pressure created space for winger Josh Jones to cross in the left corner after five minutes.
Harry Jackson superbly converted from the touchline to give Bury a 7-0 advantage.
Bury’s progress was hampered by a string of penalties, allowing Colne to gain possession and territory, but the visitors struck again after 30 minutes.
From a five-metre scrum, number eight Ethan Marsh picked up from the base and drove towards the line before the ball was worked left for Jones to score his second.
Jackson again landed an excellent touchline conversion to double the lead.
Colne responded before half-time, making pressure inside Bury territory count with an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to 14-5.
The hosts started the second half strongly, but Bury extended their advantage seven minutes after the restart.
Their scrum drove Colne backwards close to the try line and scrum-half Loftus picked up before diving over.
Jackson’s difficult conversion attempt dropped just short, leaving Bury 19-5 ahead.
The visitors threatened again when Loftus, Jackson, captain Danny Palmieri and Alfie Campbell combined in a promising attack, only for the final pass to go astray.
That missed opportunity proved significant as Colne refused to go away.
The hosts eventually broke through for a converted try midway through the second period to cut Bury’s advantage to 19-12.
The contest became increasingly tense when Colne intercepted inside their own 22 and counter-attacked.
Jones produced an excellent covering tackle, but the home side kept the move alive and crossed for another try.
The conversion was missed, leaving Bury clinging to a two-point advantage at 19-17 with around 10 minutes remaining.
Bury had opportunities to put the game beyond their opponents but were unable to find the final pass.
Colne then had two late line-outs in promising positions but failed to capitalise, allowing Jackson to finally kick the ball into touch and seal victory.
Marsh was named Bury’s man of the match, while Jackson’s two excellent conversions ultimately proved decisive.
It completed an excellent weekend for the club.
Bury seconds thrashed Blackpool 62-0, while the thirds defeated Wythenshawe 52-26.
The women’s side completed the winning weekend with a hard-fought 45-38 success against Clitheroe.
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