Newcastle Road, Nantwich - Saturday 26th April 2014

Match reporting by Bob Mitchelmore, action photos by Simon Grieve.

However Eddie Phillips's team can take great credit for a gutsy performance highlighted by a stirring second half comeback which left Crewe a very relieved team to hear the final whistle.

In blustery conditions Banbury found themselves penned in their own half from the kick-off as the home team pack dominated possession. Twice the Crewe forwards drove over the Banbury line but were denied the tries as last gasp defence prevented the ball being grounded.

Exerting constant pressure Crewe took the lead with a penalty from Jamie Little and with Banbury still unable to make little headway, the Bulls defence was subjected to a severe examination.

To their credit bodies were put on the line to prevent what could have been a rout but the incessant pressure was bound to tell and with Crewe recycling the ball well space was created for winger Tim Cowap to cross in the corner.

Midway through the half Crewe increased their advantage with a second try as flanker Josh Collins crashed over, Jamie Little adding the extras. At this stage Banbury looked to be heading for a comprehensive defeat but gradually they began to win more ball which enabled them to bring their backs into the game and test the home defence.

Josh Deegan was hauled down just short of the line after a fine break and with their confidence growing Banbury had the final say of the half with an Eddie Phillips penalty.

With the elements now in their favour it was Banbury's turn to apply the pressure, although a malfunctioning lineout spoiled a number of good attacking positions.

Looking to play their usual high tempo game the Bulls, prompted by the excellent Ed Phillips at scrum half, continued to look for openings and were back in the game when a strong run, one of several, from No 8 Simon Brand (pictured below), opened up the Crewe defence and with the Bulls retaining the ball Phillips spotted the smallest of gaps in the defence and with a hint of a dummy nipped in for a try at the posts (pictured) which he also converted.

Now very much back in the game the Crewe lead was further eroded with a second Phillips penalty. However having been given a fright the huge Crewe pack started to reassert their authority and helped by the Bulls inability to command their own set piece ball Banbury were penned back into their own half and Crewe gave themselves a little breathing space with a Little penalty.

Despite their best efforts the Bulls were unable to loosen the shackles imposed by the Crewe pack who managed to see out the final minutes to claim the victory.

Despite the disappointment of losing the Bulls can take great credit for their performance against a side holding a huge advantage in height, weight and physicality. The defence, especially when they were under the cosh in the first half, from 1 to 15 was exceptional and led by flanker Chris Phillips the smaller Banbury side effected a number of valuable turnovers which was instrumental in keeping them in the game.

The Bulls now look forward to rounding off a most successful season with the County Cup final against Oxford Harlequins, a game in which they will be the underdogs.