National League Two South Bury St Edmunds 34 Chinnor 37 Bury came so close to toppling the undefeated league leaders in a pulsating game that showcased all that is good in National Two rugby.

The hosts outscored the visitors six tries to five, but the boot of Jon Bentley was the difference as his 15 points proved decisive.

The game hinged on a pivotal moment in the 64th minute. With Bury trailing by just five they were camped deep in the Chinnor 22, but one over-elaborate pass too many allowed Kieran Goss the chance to scoop up the ball and sweep down field.

The influential full-back was stopped but Bury were powerless to prevent scrum half Gliksten darting over to make it 34–24 to the visitors.

Early pressure from Chinnor saw them earn a penalty which was kicked deep into the Bury 22 and after a couple of catch and drives were halted, there was no stopping prop forward Jack Gilding from crashing over.

Bury quickly got back on terms, a sweeping counter attack resulted in a penalty try being awarded.

It really was end to end stuff as next Ramshaw went over to make it 12-7 to the visitors.

Bury came back though, Dwayne Corcoran set up well by Sam Bixby to dot down. Chinnor had the last say of the half, Oliver slipping over after a scrum close to the Bury line to make it 19-12 at the break.

But Bury came out all guns blazing and by 53 minutes were in the lead. First, Corocran intercepted a pass to race in unchallenged by the corner flag.

Chinnor responded with a penalty, but then Matt Eddison was swept over by the Bury forwards, and the home side led 24-22.

Back came the visitors, Lamont diving over and the conversion nailed, to make it 29-24.

Then, with Bury pressing, came the aforementioned pivotal moment as they pushed too hard and Gliksten’s counter attacking try looked to have clinched the match for Chinnor at 34-24.

Roaring back, Bury’s Eddison and then Corcoran were sent in for scores but the conversions from the touchline went astray and it left the match tied at 34-34 with ten minutes left.

But it was the visitors who claimed the crucial final score, Bentley stroking home a penalty to win a quite remarkable game.