In what could well end up being this Bury side’s last ever youth game to be played on home soil, the under 16s came out narrowly on top in an entertaining, end-to-end match. However, ill-discipline at the breakdown and a high penalty count against the home side almost cost Bury the result and the afternoon was rarely a comfortable one.

On a bright but blustery day, Bury almost opened the scoring in the first minute – a strong scrum from the home side provided space for Charlie Feehan to get within 5m of the try line before being held up. ‘Sudleigh’ steadily moved down the pitch, aided by some penalties for offside but their progress was restricted by strong Bury defence, Ben Nevison-Grainger in particular putting in some excellent tackles. When Bury did win the ball back Charlie Chapman and Vincent La Starza combined well down the left flank to gain some territory. The relief was short-lived though, as Sudleigh forced their way forwards again, almost scoring in the left-hand corner before another offside penalty resulted in a short range try.

This score stung Bury into upping their game and from the restart Charlie Feehan took the ball on the full and launched an attack deep into Sudleigh territory. Vincent La Starza continued the attack and was unlucky to be held up on the line by four defenders. Bury came back again, a great run from Charlie Burrows, ably supported by Will Hudson, and then Charlie Chapman and Callum Wilson almost drove over as the ball was well kept alive. The home side were starting to exert some control in a slightly scrappy, broken game but some dropped passes did not allow for much continuity. Some great tackling from the Hudson twins and Ali Evans helped defend the line before Harry Wooldridge expertly stole another lineout ball and Feehan kicked long downfield. Eventually, with 25 minutes on the clock, some determined drives from a number of the forward pack created the opportunity for Feehan to cross the line and score under the posts. Todd Hutchinson converted to even up the score line.

Five minutes later Charlie Feehan doubled his tally, as strong forward play and a quick sniping run from Finlay Blair gave him a fraction of space just inside his own half. Spotting the gap and using his pace and lovely sidestep he raced away down the pitch to score a great try under the sticks. Todd Hutchinson maintained his recent perfect goal-kicking record by adding the extras. However, with the last play of the half, some nice handling from Sudleigh resulted in a well-worked try under the posts, to leave the half-time score at 14-14.

The start of the second half saw a much changed Bury side really take the game to their opponents. Some strong breaks from Henry Hitt were complimented by Billy Reid and Ben Hewett combining well in attack. When Sudleigh did attack Hewett was on hand to intelligently drill a long kick from inside his own half to touch inside the Sudleigh 22m line, therefore taking advantage of the new 50:22 law which means the kicking side retain possession at the subsequent lineout. A slightly scrappy period of play ensued, with Bury generally in control of both the ball and territory, but not always making the most of their scrum strength and domination of the lineout with Jack Griggs jumping well at first receiver.

Tudor Weyers continued to impress with some determined running from the base of the scrum, but the Sudleigh defence was holding firm as Bury camped out almost exclusively in the opposition half. When another clever kick from the stand-in stand-off Ben Hewett caused some panic in the away defence, Billy Reid showed his pace to make the tackle and then retrieve the ball with some excellent jackalling. Harry Wooldridge was the next player to be held up on the try line, as Bury repeatedly threatened to score.

With only seven minutes left on the clock it took a great pass from Billy Reid (as he was being tackled out of play) to break the deadlock. His vision released Vincent La Starza who rarely misses the opportunity to drive his way over from 10 metres out for a well-deserved try, Ben Hewett adding the extras. Despite some strong Sudleigh possession, Bury generally kept them at arm’s length for the remainder of the match; when they did breach the 22m line Hewett and Tudor Weyers in particular were on hand to drive them back with some great tackling. It was a closely fought game and there was a great degree of relief when Tom Cornwall booted the ball into touch as the last act. Congratulations to all 28 Bury players who took part in this tense match - if this is to be their last home appearance in youth rugby at least it ended with a victory in line with so many great wins over recent years.