Stags went to Bury fearing the worst with a mixture of 2nd's and Vets, the whole first team squad taking a well earned rest. Bury have development squad linked with the County and local college. There team consisted of a number of youth players and 5-6 old stagers to boost the pack.

Both sides were intent on throwing the ball about which made for an entertaining afternoon. Stags put in an excellent performance with Fly half Wayne Bradley having his best game for the club.

Stags were on top for 15 minutes, against the run of play Bury ran 60 metres to score. Stags pressure led to a Bradley penalty. Stags aggressive defence, especially for Crean, in the backs put pressure on the young Bury backs, and the forwards were gaining a slight advantage in the set piece. From a period of sustained pressure Bradley received quick ball a quick show and go put him over the game line feeding Ben Crean who ran a great line of his shoulder to go over under the posts. Bradley converted making it 10-7.

After half time it was more of the same with pressure on Bury across the pitch. They were however still dangerous running for deep, making good yardage from wayward kicks, it was only tenacious tackling which stopped a Bury score.

A strong Stags scrum led to a fumble by Bury, Wilcox hacked through put Stags 5 metres out. Bury won the lineout but Stags won the subsequent clearance and went through six or seven phases of play, using backs and forwards, before outstanding number 8 Dick Tinley recently returned to the club went over from 6". Making it 15-7

The difference between the two sides at this point was Stags ability to mix the play and their defence. Although Bury were still a threat it looked like Stags would extend their lead. However a number of decisions inexplicably did not go Stags way and Bury went through a period of sustatined pressure. A frustrated skipper was sin binned for a petulant trip.

Bury made the extra man count and scored another try from distance making it 15-14. Stags regrouped and some great last ditch defence by Paul Lawrence Crean and Rob Grant prevented any further score. Back with 15 Stags played for position, won a linout twenty yards out , moved the ball wide and a well worked midfield move sent winger Grant away for the winning try converted by Bradley, making the final score 22-14. There were no late scares and Stags closed out the game.

This was a great team performance.

Special thanks to Vets - John Mayfield, Patrick Goldsworthy, Ray James and Paul Lawrence.

The backs defence was outstanding (Ben Crean especially), Stimmo won a few against the head and threw well despite his hangover. Young flankers Craig Golightly and Rob Balchin played well.

The standout forward was Dick Tinley, but MOTM was Wayne Bradley, he showed of his undoubted skills, but alligned it with really positive attitude.

Team,

John Mayfield (44) Stimmo (24) Charlie Ward (18) Ray James (Over 40) Patrick Goldsworthy (Over 60) Rob Balchin (17) Dick Tinley (38) Craig Golightly (24) Nick Wilcox (38) Wayne Bradley (17) Steve Hill (21) Ben Crean (28) Rob Grant (30) Sam Barnard (21) Paul Lawrence (38) Graham Peigton (18)