Loose - Joe H, Hooker - Charlie C, Tight - Jordan T, Lock - Tez J, Lock - Gianni T, Scrummy - Calum IO, Fly - Jacob N, Centre - Oliver P (Capt), Wing - Adam S, Wing - Jay B, Fullback - Declan Woods

With an early start for the teams knowing that Bowden always start training early, we arrived at The Clay early and warmed up early. Hence three players started to feel unwell and had to sit out. I think some of the boys had a late night personally !!!!

Period 1 of 3
Bury started with the kick off and that is all I can say positive about it. Bowden scored straight from the catch. Four more tries and conversions were to follow. Credit to Bowden for coming out of the blocks quickly but even the players and parents noticed that the scrum push started earlier than the ball came in from the scrummy. Referee was questioned but to no avail. Jordan T appeared to be the only player who had turned up today. Bowden deservedly won this period with their Fly Half cruising through some poor tackling. 35 - 0

Period 2 of 3
Bowden came out of the blocks quickly again and scored an early try. Even though their pack was smaller in stature they had the technique that we usually possess. Tez and Gianni at Lock were binding across the back and not having their shoulders under the bums. Calum picked up from the back of poor scrum hesitated and passed to their fly half crashing through to score. Declan taking restarts went long and the ball went dead three times bringing a scrum back on half way. The boys were getting demoralised and tearful after Bowden scored another two converted tries. As coaches (and Parents) we explained that we are feeling like the opponents we have been playing with similar scorelines, so MAN UP and grow a set of ********. 36 - 0

Period 3 of 3
After a five minute break and a stern word from the Parents, and Captain Oliver, who were annoyed that we werent even showing our usual controlled aggression.
Tez and Gianni were demonstrated to the difference between high binding and low binding. Charlie was told to have some confidence in himself and put a tackle in, instead of leaving it to his team mates. Wayne and Jay swapped places so the defensive line moved up quicker. Jacob dropped to Fullback cause of his asthma, Calum came to Fly Half with Declan filling in at Scrummy.

Bury came out of the blocks and showed aggression with pace and passion. Charlie put in a top tackle and stole the ball in the process, giving coach an "air high five". Gianni did a trundling sprint down the wingonly to be stopped just short of the line. Tez picked up and sidestepped players on a fast run. Oliver collected in his own half and powered away to safety, Jordan kicked the ball to safety on three occassions turning defence into attack. Calum tackled and powered forward recycling at every opportunity. Joe did his graft at the coalface. Jay had a couple of short runs passing sensibly. Jacob and Adam bravely put in some tackles within metres of their line. Wayne wiped away his tears and bashed three tackles to gain advantage for his team again. Declan scored a cracking try and converted to put some pride back in the Bury colours. 0 - 7 to Bury.

Man of the Match - Jordan Taylor
Runner up Man of Match - Charlie Coward

Next week sees us host Colne at Bury for an 1100 kick off.