QUEENSBURY suffered a narrow 26-24 defeat to unbeaten Yorkshire Men's League Premier Division leaders Bentley at Albert Road.

'Bury won the toss and kicked off down the slope in the baking heat, looking for a solid start.

In the first set, the unfortunate Matty Piper took a high shot that opened up a nasty and game-ending gash under the eye.

The following 15 minutes were ones of huge hits as 'Bury flew into the big Bentley forwards with enthusiasm, seeking the upper hand in an even start.

Finally, on 17 minutes, constant pressure and repeat sets forcing goal line drop outs saw the returning Joe Flanagan force his way over the line, suitably converted by Scott Swann to give Bury the lead.

Five minutes later and, with the big Bentley pack struggling with the heat and lots of forced defence, Billy Naylor took advantage and smartly dummied through the line to score under the posts to double the Bury lead.

Within a couple of plays, Naylor thought he had his second of the game, only to be denied by the referee, causing the home crowd to find their voice.

Bentley weren't to be beaten easily, though, and they forced their way upfield with well-structured play to claw their way back into the half, scoring after the half-hour mark.

But it was 'Bury who had the last say and, five minutes before half time, Jimmy Simpson forced his way through a crowd of players to give the home side a deserved 18-6 interval lead.

The second-half began with renewed vigour. The experienced Bentley side had the slope in their favour and sought to take advantage.

But the Bury defence was firm until, on 60 minutes, Bentley finally broke through the tiring back line, doubling their tally eight minutes later but failing to convert the second, leaving Bury still 18-16 to the good.

Bury dug in and, fighting their way back upfield, Tom Hart finished off an excellent set to dive over the whitewash to give Bury an eight-point cushion.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Bentley took advantage of poor markers at the tackle and scooted under the posts to bring the game within two.

With the clock running down it looked Bury would hold on for a deserved victory, but Bentley showed why they are favourites for the title and a towering kick on the last was plucked out of the air by the onrushing attackers to put the visitors in the lead for the first time.