Banbury Bulls get their new season league campaign underway on Saturday 12th September with a home fixture against Towcestrians.

Previewing the new season, Oxford Mail´s Ed Mezzetti writes:

“Banbury Bulls are targeting a top-two spot in Midlands 2 East South after an encouraging pre-season. Victories over Bicester (62-13) and Effingham & Leatherhead (30-3) bode well for a team now captained by star flanker Sean Bannister. Banbury, who showed their potential by reaching last season’s Oxon Cup final, have prop Michael Bosman and centre Peter Papenfus back after two years’ out injured.”

Player-coach Grant Holmes said: “A look at last year’s results tells us that from late November to the end of January we lost seven out of eight games, which completely took any chance we had of making the top two away. This season we aim to become a more complete side and hopefully the hard work put in over the summer months will pay off.”

Mezzetti also writes:

“IN: Jonny Wright (hooker), Michael Bosman (prop), Peter Papenfus (centre), Ryan Sorrell (wing, Kingston University).

OUT: Matt Shepley (prop), Ashley Woodward (wing).

YOUNG GUN: Wing Jed Boyle has “electric pace and a lightning sidestep”.

LAST SEASON: 5th

MY PREDICTION: Vying for promotion.”

Read the full Oxford Mail article at:

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/rugby/4589721.RUGBY_UNION__Banbury_target_top_two/