BURY St Edmunds avoided relegation with a vital victory against local rivals Sudbury.The hosts were first out of the blocks and for 20 minutes the Sudbury defence was pushed to the limits with last-gasp tackles saving the day.

London League three North East

Bury St Edmunds 29

Sudbury 7

BURY St Edmunds avoided relegation with a vital victory against local rivals Sudbury.

The hosts were first out of the blocks and for 20 minutes the Sudbury defence was pushed to the limits with last-gasp tackles saving the day.

But, following an infringement at a ruck, Bury were awarded a penalty and Billy Robinson stroked the ball through the posts for the first points of the day.

Sudbury were awarded a scrum in the middle of the park. Bury again drove the visitors back at speed and the backs were able to pressurise the Sudbury backs into dropping the ball.

Billy Robinson pounced, gathered the ball and scampered over for a fine try before he also added the easiest of conversions.

The pressure continued on the visitors' defence and with the home crowd voicing their support there seemed no stopping Bury.

The forwards crashed the ball up quickly to allow Scott Garrett to put Chris Kent though for a great try and Robinson yet again added the extra points.

Half-time came with Bury 17 to the good, having played all the attacking rugby.

With the start of the second period Sudbury seemed to wake up and Bury were under pressure, but mistakes were still being made. Scott Garrett got the slightest hint of a gap and danced his way for a try that saw the crowd to its feet.

Bury's Luke Findlay was shown a yellow card and they were down to 14 men but Sudbury could not capitalise on the advantage.

The pressure continued and Rob Petherrick was next to see yellow before Jack Hallat followed him. Bury were now down to 13 men and it seemed inevitable that Sudbury would score.

Jez Coldrey in the centre for Bury had other ideas and kicked and chased the ball the length of the field to score the most valuable try for Bury.

Robinson again hit the conversion to bring his personal tally to 14 for the day.

Sudbury, to their credit, were not willing to roll over and eventually crossed the Bury line for five points when the replacement prop dived over from close in and Scott Harries was successful with the kick.

The tension seemed to mount as spectators and coaches tried to find the score from Romford - a cheer went up when it became clear Bury were safe.