Bury Vs Ambleside
February 15, 2025
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Bury vs. Ambleside – A Friendly with Fire
The stage was set for a friendly clash between Bury and Ambleside, and from the first whistle, both teams showed real intent. The opening exchanges were disciplined, with sensible tackling, well-structured rucking, and effective kicking from both sides. Ambleside's Matty Kaye executed a beautiful 50-22, providing his team with an early territorial advantage. However, despite making ground into the attacking 22, handling errors and ripped balls in contact stalled their progress.
Bury’s experience became increasingly evident as the game unfolded. While Ambleside had only one available substitution, Bury had a deeper squad, filled with seasoned players who demonstrated strong game awareness. Bury had kindly loaned Ambleside a player to ensure this friendly was fair and competitive. The tempo was high, and although the referee maintained a relaxed approach, the standard of tackling began to slip, leading to some questionable missed calls on discipline.
First Half: Bury Take Control
Bury struck first, capitalizing on a couple of missed tackles and slippery conditions to score under the posts around the 23-minute mark. The conversion was slotted with ease. Ambleside, struggling to adapt to Bury’s sharp offloading game, found themselves on the back foot defensively. Despite a promising attacking scrum five meters out from the try line, a handling error returned possession to Bury. A shame, as Ambleside had worked hard to get within reach of the try-line.
Bury continued to exploit gaps in the Ambleside defense and, just before halftime, added another converted try. Ambleside showed resilience, with kicking keeping them in the fight, some solid tackles from a number of players, great running from their young, yet strong forwards, too!
Bury’s quick decision-making allowed them to dictate the pace. Disciplinary issues crept into the match, some of which I was pleased to see the ref began to manage this game in a slightly more serious nature. Bury conceding a penalty for an unwrapped tackle, essentially a shoulder barge into touch. Despite this, they extended their lead further, heading into the break 19-0 up.
Second Half: Ambleside Fight Back
Ambleside came out of the blocks in the second half with renewed energy. Their communication and support play had improved, leading to a well-worked try by Rory, who bulldozed his way under the posts. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, but the tempo had undeniably lifted.
However, Bury responded quickly, taking advantage of another handling error in Ambleside’s 22 to score out wide. The conversion attempt was ambitious but unsuccessful. Despite the increasingly aggressive nature of the game - particularly from Bury’s forwards - Ambleside remained composed, working as a unit while Bury’s players started to argue among themselves.
One of the standout moments of the second half was a crucial last-man tackle by Rowan at full-back, denying Bury another try. Ambleside’s jackeling improved significantly, but frustratingly, the referee failed to reward their clean turnovers. Bury, maintaining their momentum, added another try by exploiting defensive gaps, pushing the score further in their favour.
Final Stages: A Scrappy Finish
The last five minutes saw intense physical play, with relentless tackling, ball-stealing, and scuffles, though neither team made significant headway. While Bury had control on the scoreboard, Ambleside had shown serious grit, particularly in the second half.
Final Score: Bury 31 - 5 Ambleside
While the result reflected Bury’s dominance, Ambleside can take plenty of positives from their second-half performance. Improved teamwork, a better tackle rate, and a determined attitude - despite being outnumbered and out-experienced - showed that this squad has plenty to build on. With a deeper squad, a bit more clinical finishing and defensive sharpness, Ambleside will undoubtedly turn these efforts into results in future matches. It is a pleasure to see the Ambleside lads improve, week on week, even if they don't always bring home a win.
Friends to finish
To round off the day, Bury welcomed Ambleside into their clubhouse for food, friendly banter, and drinking games. The Ambleside lads enjoyed relaxing after this high-tempo game with beers and banter.
Demonstrated Delight in Depth
This friendly away game, demonstrated how valuable the depth in a squad is. It is essential all players prioritise training and game time at whatever level they play. Undoubtably, this result could have swung in Ambleside's favour if they'd have been able to attend with a full squad and substitutions. Game time is essential for all players to grow, develop and drive the success of the team forward. The depth of the squad, as such, and it being supported by well seasoned players ensures flexibility moving forward for those who have to work etc.
Without these well organised friendlies, those returning from injuries, newbies, and developmental players would struggle to progress into selected team fixtures. The power is in the players commitment, not just for themselves, but those alongside them.
Together - Rugby wins!
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