Leeson at double in Bury triumph
Guernsey………. 19
Bury St Eds…….35
Bury St Edmunds were physical and sharp as they claimed a bonus-point win at Guernsey Raiders.
Straight from the first whistle, Bury settled into their game plan, putting the home side under pressure.
Within 15 minutes, they had missed a penalty through Charlie Reed. But a slick try from Michael Stanway via the backs followed shortly afterwards. Then Ciaran Leeson crossed after a sustained number of phases to which the home side had no answer. Both tries were converted by Reed for a 14-0 lead.
Raiders eventually regrouped and took the game to Bury, matching their physicality and changing the momentum of the match. Callum Roberts scored Raiders’ first try with a stunning run through the Bury defence to go in under the posts. Owen Thomas slotted the conversion. Then Anthony Armstrong struck just before half-time with a try in the corner to bring the score to 14-12.
TEAMS
GUERNSEY: Steventon, Ceillam, Pinkney, Hillier, Webb, Creber, Rice, Smiler, Barnes, Thomas, Roberts, Davis, Mc-Gann, Armstrong, Sayer Replacements: Morgan, Bellingham, Culerhouse, Boyland, Creber BURY ST EDMUNDS: Reed, Leeson, Kharbouch, Saddleton, Stanway, Drury-Hawkins, Christie, Hill, Kingdon, Cooper, Conquest, Kelland, Williams, Bursey, Stevenson Replacements: McCartney, Jeffery, Browne, Penfold, Hall
REFEREE: Phil Russell ATTENDANCE: 873
Star man
Charlie Reed -Bury St Edmunds
Within minutes of the restart, Bury took advantage of a Raiders mistake. A kick ahead resulted in winger Leeson winning the chase for a touchdown. Reed converted.
Raiders hit back as Roberts scored again and Thomas converted.
Despite two yellow cards, Bury finished strongly. A try from Matt Bursey via a driving maul put the visitors in control and then Harry Hall got a sniping try at scrum-half and Reed converted both scores.
