Chorley 3, Bury 8

9:15am Tuesday 26th February 2008

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Chorley came as close as it can get to the biggest upset of the season against league leaders Bury.

The first half saw the recent form guide torn up as Chorley started the more positive side securing two missed penalty chances in the first ten minutes.

Fantastic open phase play and clean ball secured from the lineout kept Chorley in the opposition half for large periods twice just failing to score tries as the last pass failed to go to hand.

A third penalty opportunity was just wide on the half hour, but Chorley were soon pushing again, with a drop goal slotted by openside flank Mike Jessiman.

Chorley missed a fourth penalty strike just before half time which should have seen them home and dry had earlier chances been taken.

Bury, who didn't look like scoring at all in the first half, rallied for a five minute period just after the break.

Some intelligent territory kicks followed by use of the dominance in the scrum led to a well worked move in the corner which saw their wing touch down for a try with just a hint of a forward pass.

Chorley pressed for large periods of the second half also, but to no avail, one clear cut opportunity ruled out for a forward pass.

Bury had one further chance with a penalty which they took, leaving Chorley to consider what might have been, but also take heart from what was a very positive performance on many fronts.

Chorley host North Manchester on Saturday.