Georgie Palmer scores a hat-trick as Bury Foxes run riot

Bury's Stephanie Durrant was on the scoresheet in their big win. Picture: SHAWN PEARCE (Image: Archant)

Chelmsford’s forwards dominated the first minutes of play before Lucy Kerr was able to squeeze through a rare gap in the defence to score on the seven minute mark.

Bury’s next score was to come as a long clearance kick from the Bluebirds was delivered straight to waiting fullback Stephanie Durrant who raced from the 10-metre line to score in the corner.

With both teams using the boot, Bury were awarded a line-out that saw the ball passed through the hands to winger Florence Webb who off-loaded to hooker Jasmin Clarke, who stormed up the pitch before putting Georgie Palmer into space to score the first of her hat-trick.

The final five minutes of the half saw Chelmsford camped on the frustrated hosts’ 10-metre line. But with solid hits by Natalie Palmer and Laura Stone constantly gaining several metres, Bury’s backs were finally released.

Lucy Kerr on the run for the Bury Foxes. Picture: SHAWN PEARCE (Image: Archant)

Palmer collected and off-loaded to supporting second row Tiff Knippleberg for a well-deserved try before the break.

Palmer’s fleet of foot was in display again in the second half as she picked the ball from the base on the scrum and threaded her way through to score.

Next to cross was number 10 Kelly, making it 36-0 from a quick tap from a penalty after aggressive counter rucking from Abby Kegge forced a penalty.

With the referee allowing the game to flow, Palmer capitalised on the tiring opposition by claiming her hat-trick under the posts. Danni Lee’s boot was on fire as she converted her sixth extra of the game.

Bury were soon on the run again, but this time the usually elusive Charlotte Alanine was to be stopped in her tracks by the solid defence.

It didn’t matter though as another line-out ball was won by Kegge which led to Lee converting her own try.

The final try came after a break by Natalie Palmer was off-loaded to Louisa Honey who spun the ball wide for Kerr to out pace everyone and score just before the whistle.

With the win, Bury remain second in the table, six points behind leaders Harwich & Dovercourt Owls.