Bury traveled to Hull for a repeat of last year's National Cup fixture at NCL 1 side Myton Warriors, handing debuts to a number of young guns coming through the ranks. In very blustery conditions Myton kicked off with the wind advantage, immediately forcing an error and putting Bury on the defensive to test their resolve for what looked like a difficult draw against a smart and fast outfit. Resolute defence followed and the Bury line held strong through repeat sets as the tackles went in hard and fast. The first 10 minutes were an even affair, with both teams testing each other out and making light of the tough conditions. A smart move and fast hands saw Tom Hainsworth take a short ball, burst through the line and power to the line around the Myton full back - first blood to the visitors. It seemed to wake up the hosts who were expecting an easier test against a team from lower down the divisions. Slick hands and fast ruck play saw 2 Myton tries in quick succession, handing them a 10-4 lead. Bury dug in and for the rest of the half the hosts were matched across the park. Another Hainsworth break lead to a one on one between Robson Moore and the Myton full back who managed to claw him down with the whitewash beckoning. Solid defence from Scott Swann and Leighton Ruff and hard yards from Luke Sutcliffe, Jonjo Naylor, Joe Flanagan and Jack McMillan shored up the Bury line. On the stroke of half time, back to back penalties and an unfortunate bounce of the ball saw Myton score a converted try under the posts to take a 16-4 lead into the break.
If the hosts believed they would come out and put daylight between the teams they were mistaken. An improving Bury outfit matched them play for play, with big hits and completed sets despite the gale. Unfortunately after 67 minutes a lack of discipline and raised tempers saw a penalty to Bury overturned and Myton took advantage with a penalty goal for another 2 points. This spurred the visitors on even more and directed by hooker Jonny Norman the pressure built on the Myton line. A fast play the ball and slick hands across the pitch resulted in Scott Swann putting Aidan Hainsworth in for his debut try in the corner to give the visitors hope of an upset with only 10 points between the sides.
With time ticking away and Myton in Bury territory, the Myton half back took advantage of a tiring back line, running across the defensive line and around the Bury winger for a final try in the corner. In the final 3 minutes Bury threw everything they had at Myton but the whistle blew and Myton took the victory 24-8.
A solid and pleasing performance from Bury which promises much for the season and the new coaching team of Alan Redmonds, Ben Naylor and Liam Ruff. Man of the Match went to Tom Hainsworth for his all-round performance but much credit to the entire squad and to the new lads who stuck up their hands for a difficult away tie. Next up is a friendly against Wyke ARLFC in 2 weeks time.