The Bulldogs Reserve side welcomed table-topping Clacton Cannons to Skyliner, as they looked to build momentum following their superb Suffolk Cup win.
Cannons started the game brightly, as their young guards connected from deep with regularity, as they built a 13-21 lead with 1:22 to play in the first. A timeout from Coach Fisher saw Patrick Laycock take the game by the scruff of the neck - fuelling a 6-0 run to end the quarter, before tying the game up in the opening seconds of the second quarter at 21 apiece.
The momentum continued through the second quarter, as debutant Josh Hales and Jim Walker helped Bury throttle Clacton defensively, as they took the second quarter going away 22-13 to take a 41-34 lead into the second half, with David Wise keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
The third quarter was a defensive battle - as Clacton's press held Bulldogs to only twelve points. However, with Thompson anchoring the Bury defence (and recording five of his twelve blocks in the game during the third quarter), Cannons were also held to twelve points, as the teams entered the fourth separated by only seven points.
An early three from Cannons could have jangled the nerves of the Suffolk side - but instead Oli Cowling responded with one of his own, along with a pair of layups and an assist as the Bulldogs seized control of the game. At the other end, Bury saved their best til last, as they held Cannons to only one field goal in the remaining eight minutes of the tie, en route to a superb 75-53 win.
David Wise again led the Bulldogs in scoring with 20 points, while youngsters Oli Cowling and Patrick Laycock added 14 apiece.
Coach Rob Fisher awarded veteran centre Neil Thompson the Player of the Game saying "We were missing some size today, and Stilts went out there and ran our defence for us. Not many players can impact a game without really scoring, but Neil had 20 rebounds and a dozen blocks, and kept a National League Senior Centre under wraps - it was a standout performance."
Thompson added "The guys did a great job of being disciplined defensively, and that helped me to have a big impact on the game. I knew we were missing some size, so it was good to have an 'old school' game!"
"As a team, we showed a lot of heart and pride today" said Coach Fisher. "Even when we were down early, they didn't let their heads drop. We rallied together and focused on controlling the controllable - which started with our defensive effort and execution."
"We believed if we did the right things on defence, we'd play the right way at the other end - and sure enough, we started moving the ball well, playing unselfishly and creating good looks for one another. I'm really proud of the team for the effort they put in tonight."
Captain Glenn Collins added "It was a solid team performance, and nice to keep momentum after last week's win - but we can absolutely be better than this - and we'll keep working to that end."
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