Tommy Gray (Shoulder), Joe Mills (unavailable) and Tom Eyston (Cup-tied) were all ruled out from last weekend’s win but there were welcome returns for Justin Parker, James Jennings and Nick Pratt to the starting line-up.

The opening 5-10 minutes were fairly even with both teams making trips to the opposition 22 before the biggest moment of the match when Justin Parker was shown a straight red card. The referee indicating a stamp from the scrum-half. It didn’t look like a stamp and more an attempt to get the man lying on the ball out the way. A huge decision in a cup semi-final which even the Quins players after the game admitted seemed harsh.

Banbury took time to adjust to the red card and Quins took full advantage of the fractured defence. Antonio Turetta on the end of a 3 vs 2 to score to the left of the posts. Dan Todd added the extras. Banbury 0 Quins 7.

The teams were briefly level when Allan Purchase was yellow carded for Quins for a deliberate knock on when Bulls had numbers out wide. Banbury kicked the resulting penalty in to the corner and from the 5m lineout scored their first try of the game. Chris Davies found his target in the lineout before gathering the ball at the back of a rolling maul and touching down out to the left. Conversion missed. 5-7.

Dan Brady scored a diving effort in the corner to give Banbury the lead just before the half time whistle. Conversion missed, 10-7.

Banbury looked in control when it was 14 vs 14 but with Purchase back on for Quins at the start of the second half the numerical advantage evened things up. Quins scored through a rolling maul of their own with the backs joining the forwards to drive over from 5m out. Conversion missed, 10-12.

Banbury responded almost immediately. Jack Briggs won a penalty in the opposition 22. From the resulting scrum the backs showed some great skill to release Tom Burman through a gap before touching down under the posts. Ed Phillips added the extras, 17-12.

Quins got a slice of luck to draw level. A kick in their own half was charged down but landed perfectly for Turetta to gather and break into the Banbury half. Turetta drew the last man before offloading to Johnnie Henderson to score in the clubhouse corner. Conversion missed, 17-17.

Keiran Fitzgibbon was yellow carded after a high seatbelt style tackle for Banbury. 14 vs 15 was tough but down to 13 looked an impossible task for Banbury. Dan Todd kicked a penalty with less than 5 minutes left to make it 17-20.

Banbury pushed for a late try that would give them a remarkable win and with Quins committing a number of penalties Banbury were camped in the opposition 22 for the final minutes. Jack Todd was yellow carded for Quins after collapsing a rolling maul that was heading for the line.
Quins defence managed to hold on though and when Banbury knocked on the full-time whistle followed.

A frustrating afternoon for Banbury. The red card played a huge part in the game and Banbury did fantastic to stay in the game for 80 minutes. With a better rub of the green the result might have been different, but it wasn’t Banbury’s day. Congratulations to Oxford Harlequins for making it to the final. The Bulls have a massive matchup at home again next weekend when they take on Royal Wootton Bassett in a game that will have huge implications in the promotion race. We hope you can join us!

Speaking to Head Coach, Matt Goode, after the game:

Not the result we wanted but you must be immensely proud of the boys and the effort they put in for 80 minutes? Especially with the red card so early on in the game.
“It was a tough old battle. It always is against Quins. To play that long with 14 men was a tough ask. I thought we played well. Our young boys are playing some great rugby. Discipline from both teams was poor. We’re disappointed at the result, but we showed tremendous pride and that’s what I want more than anything at the moment. It’s a tough pill to swallow. We wanted to win the cup again but we’ll focus elsewhere.”

Huge game next weekend vs Royal Wootton Bassett. What are you expecting and how are you preparing for that one?
“Look we know they’re a good side. They’ve lost 2 games all season. They’re very technical and well drilled. They’re going to be really up for it. They want to get promoted just as much as we do. We should have some more players back from injury which will help. Saying that the boys who have stepped up in recent weeks have been outstanding. It’s important we don’t let this loss affect us and we bring our A-game next weekend.”

If you get crowd support like you did today do you think that could be the difference between winning and losing?
“Our crowd are always amazing. They’re always behind us. I’m just a little bit gutted we couldn’t get over the finishing line for them today. The support we get it amazing. It doesn’t matter if it’s windy, rainy or any other horrible condition we always manage to get a good crowd. I want to thank them massively for all the support they give us throughout the season. I can’t wait to see them all again next weekend. It’s going to be a huge game.”

Point scorers:
Tries: Chris Davies, Dan Brady and Tom Burman
Conversion: Ed Phillips

15. Alex Caviezel Cox (Sponsored by: Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage) *
14. Tom Burman *
13. Caleb Shephard *
12. Duncan Leese (Sponsored by Wednesday Strollers)
11. Dan Brady (Sponsored by: Allsafe Scaffolding) *
10. Ed Phillips (Sponsored by: P Montanaro – ITSM Consultancy) *
9. Justin Parker (Sponsored by Wurzel Broadband) *

1. James Leonardi (Sponsored by: Tim Varney) *
2. Chris Davies (Sponsored by: GDC Rail & Civils)
3. Ian Isham (Captain) (Sponsored by: William Green Architects) *
4. Lewis Wheeler *
5. Nick Pratt *
6. Jack Briggs (Sponsored by: Parkinsons Master Thatchers) *
7. James Jennings
8. Jacob Mills (Sponsored by: Hire Safe Solutions) *

Replacements:
16. Matt Goode (Sponsored by: Hook Norton Crop Consultancy) *
17. Keiran Fitzgibbon (Sponsored by: Heaven & Stubbs) *
18. Alex Bridges
19. Dan Kirwin (Sponsored by: Hollywood Bowl) *
20. Oscar Triggs *