Bury suffered their heaviest defeat in almost three years at in-form Tonbridge.

After a closely-fought first half, which Bury shaded 6–5, the home side ran in six second half tries to overwhelm the visitors.

Once again Bury had several changes from the previous week’s match. Dave Ormrod, Tim Mann and Aaron Waters were all missing but Will Martin returned along with Sam Bixby and old warrior Matt Bell.

The omens did not look good when Tonbridge scored early on. A line out that went over almost everyone was seized by the home side’s number 7 and he slithered over before anyone could react.

After the early setback, it was Bury who took the initiative.

With the elements generally in their favour they pushed the home side back although one felt they may have used the wind more often to kick deep into Kentish territory.

Martin landed a straight forward penalty to reduce the arrears and then on 35 minutes put Bury ahead when he once again converted a simple kick.

Bury then went in leading 6-5, but the second half was a humbling experience.

Tonbridge rightly played on after what seemed a blatant knock-on, and their influential scrum half darted through to score by the posts.

Moments later the game was lost for Bury. Their three-quarters were regularly getting the ball on the back foot and unfortunately for Tanimo Samoa, his attempted pass when he perhaps ought to have hung onto the ball was intercepted and suddenly the score stood at 19–6.

With a comfortable cushion of a lead, the home side then showed why they are currently unbeaten in this league as they dominated proceedings.

A push over try soon arrived after a series of penalties took Juddians close to the Bury line and then a fourth try followed that typified the day.

A Tonbridge line out was almost stolen by Bury but as the ball bobbled it was the home side that was first to react.

A hack downfield saw a foot race and although Charlie Paske was first to the ball he could not control it and a flood of Tonbridge players swooped on the ball for a score in the corner.

To their credit, Bury continued to battle and deservedly scored a try when Ricky Jones won the race to Will Martin’s clever kick behind.

It was scant consolation though as Bury were visibly wilting under the effects of having to defend for such long periods.

The home side’s hooker showed good feet to dance in by the sticks and as the visitors prayed for the final whistle, Tonbridge scored again when a valiant defensive action could last no more and a huge overlap on the left was clinically exposed.

After two straight losses, Bury must pick themselves up for a home game with Westcombe Park next Saturday, kick-off 3pm.