Bury clawed their way back from a 20-9 deficit to grab a much-needed victory against Old Redcliffians at The Haberden.
In the end the hosts did enough to deserve the 28-20 National 2 win but Reds will have been frustrated that their performance did not at least earn a bonus point.
The visitors made light of their 200-mile journey from Bristol to burst out of the blocks, creating possession and territory but lacking the inventiveness to to break down the Bury defence.
Ash Groves opened the scoring with a penalty for the visitors early on, but Bury’s response was a positive one and McBride levelled the scores after the Reds kicked the ball out of a ruck.
The two fly-halves exchanged further penalties in a scrappy first period.
On the stroke of half-time, however, the visitors deservedly took the lead.
When they earned a penalty in front of the posts, skipper and key player Ethan Doyle declined the obvious three points and told Groves to kick to the corner.
A well-worked catch and drive saw hooker Kieran Ward spin off the side of the maul to dot down.
Groves’ superb touchline conversion left the Haberden crowd subdued and nervous as the Reds led 13-6 at the break.
Bury came out on the front foot and were awarded a penalty when Lord was halted illegally, McBride slotting the kick home.
The Reds added a second try moments later, however, Sam Hewick being bundled over amongst a mass of bodies and Groves converting to give the Reds a 20-9 lead.
Having managed to win the restart, Bury player Lord’s half break had interest added when Kohler burst through.
Stapleton was up in support and he had just enough pace and then power to hold off two would be visiting tacklers to score by the sticks.
Barely five minutes had passed before Bury scored again, Chris Snelling notching in the corner.
Bury were now in control and McBride’s angled kick forced the Reds to defend a line out just inside their 22.
The line out was stolen, worked into midfield and Kohler surged to the line through a small gap.
Having been tackled on the line he had just enough momentum to get the ball down as he was enveloped by red shirts.
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