Bury 21-Colne 31

Colne recorded their first win of the campaign on Saturday as they travelled to face a Bury side, who like Colne, were struggling to get to grips with the new North Lancashire League structure.

Colne were forced into making a few changes from the previous Burnley game, with players travelling to the Capital to watch the Host nation in action. In came Nathan Singleton in a like for like swap replacing Adam Padgett at Prop. A reshuffle in the back 5 saw Ant Minshull slot in along side Connor Kinnane at second row, with Tom Steer partnering new boy Adam Davies at wing forward. The pack was completed by Edwards in his usual position at 8.

The back had a more familiar look about them with both Hargreaves’ at half back, Sumner partnered Tindall in the centres and the back 3 consisted of Gane, Bullen and Grindrod.

The game started with Colne coming out the blocks at pace and soon found themselves with a penalty on Burys 22 with only 5 minutes played. Colne upped the intensity and with some excellent work from the forwards, Hargreaves released Tindall, who fed Gane in acres of space after cutting a superb line outside the 13. With only the full back to beat, Gane drew his man and popped to Tindall who ran in under the posts. Try converted by J Hargreaves.

Bury hit back with a penalty of their own, and continued to build pressure from the territory gained. Colne seemed to drop off, allowing Bury to record a try bringing the half to a close at 13-13.

The possession was equally shared by both teams, and with Bury looking dangerous going forward it was only some stern and well drilled defending that kept them at bay. Some dubious refereeing decisions allowed each side to continue to knock over a couple of penalties each.

With Steer, Davies and Wiper all working hard at the breakdown, Kinnane and Edwards, with the help of Wade, were able to slowly gain ground with the pick and drives into the Bury half. It was only a sloppy pass from Tindall out wide that prevented a number of players in the form of Sumner and Handofoth from crossing the whitewash. Eventually Colne , scored a try through another excellent Jamie Gane running line, sandwiched in between of the penalties.

In the closing minutes of the game, Hargreaves fed Sumner, who hit a great line and quick ball found Tindall 5 metres out, who was able to feed substitute Handforth for the final try and final play of the game.

It was a day for running rugby on a perfect pitch, which suited Colnes backs. Although credit must go to the front 8, who’s graft and determination around the field set the platform for a game of open fast paced rugby.

Full time Colne 31-Bury 21.

Colne train Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm at Holt House. If anyone wishes to come up and play, call our Community Coach Jamie on 07494 543149 for more info. The club will also be showing all England games on the big screen and all the knockout stage games.