Bodicote Park – Saturday 28th November 2015

RFU Intermediate Cup 2nd Round

Match report by Ed Phillips, action photos by Simon Grieve

The two sides hadn’t met since their Midlands 1 clash in 2008, but there was little time for re-acquaintances in the wind and rain of Bodicote Park in a tight and competitively fought match.

Camp Hill won the toss and elected to play with the strong wind in the first half to try and put the hosts under pressure. The Bulls started much as they did last week, they had lost of possession but were playing a lot of rugby in their own half.

Camp Hill took the lead with a penalty, but Banbury had the edge at the set piece and used this dominance to gain a foot hold in the match, they earned them selves a penalty and Alex Stevenson went close with the attempt.

Both sides defence was impressive, with some big tackles going in around the fringes particularly from supporters favourite Manu Paniagua (pictured, blue head guard). Banbury finally broke through Camps defence after sending the ball wide to Robin Cooke, who squeezed through a gap and managed to stay on his feet, then showed his blistering pace to break clear and left the full back in his wake to score on his Bulls debut under the posts. Stevenson added the extras.

Cooke got his hands on the ball minutes later and and went on another impressive run, only to be hauled down 5 metres out. At this stage Banbury thought they were taking charge of the game but went into the half time break only 7-3 ahead.

The Bulls turned around with the wind now at their backs, but a very well organised Camp Hill defence who were extremely competitive at the break down meant Banbury were unable to pull clear. Camp Hill enjoyed extended periods of pressure themselves, only to denied time and time again by a solid Banbury defensive effort.

The Bulls were able to extend their lead through a Stevenson penalty. Banbury finished with the match with another chance to score, where a good running line from substitute Sam Stoop saw him break through to leave him with a two-on-one with the full back, but Stoop was unaware of the support from man of the match Phillips, and his chip and chase was unsuccessful.

So a very competitive contest came to an end at 10 – 3 which sees Banbury through to the next round which will be played on Saturday 2nd January. Camp Hill will head back to Midlands 2 West (North) very pleased with their performance, which suggests they won't remain a mid table side for much longer. Banbury return to league action next Saturday (5th December) with an away trip to Malvern.