A disappointing weekend for the Banbury Bulls saw them fail to progress in both of this season’s cup competitions.

Saturday saw the visit of Bugbrooke who are currently riding high in Midlands 2 East (South) and who would prove to be a stern test for the Bulls. Banbury were looking to make amends for their previous weeks’ performances in this break from league action. The home side saw several changes made to the backline for this game, with flanker Dan Boys being moved out to cover the wing and full-back Pete Flemming moving up to outside-centre. The pack was largely unchanged with just hooker Andy Ell returning to the starting line-up.

And it was through the forwards that Banbury were able to gain some good possession throughout the game from the set-piece against a larger Bugbrooke pack. However Banbury’s defensive frailties were again ruthlessly exposed by some direct running by the visiting backs. Playing like a team used to winning, Bugbrooke shipped the ball wide to their electric winger at every available opportunity and he was to profit from the Bulls lacklustre tackling by scoring a quick-fire hat-trick.

Banbury were able to make ground into the Bugbrooke half, but too often the ball was turned over and the visitors were able to attack from deep. Two penalties from Mike Smith, along with his conversion of Eddie Phillips’ try were all Banbury could muster in the first half against Bugbrooke’s four tries as they went in at half-time behind.

Matt Brock’s try midway through the second half, again converted by Smith brought Banbury’s total to 20 points and within two scores of the visitors, but again turnover ball was utilised well by Bugbrooke who were able to score a further four tries in the second half running out winners by 43 points to 20.

Due to the rigid nature of the fixture list, Banbury were then forced to play their Oxfordshire cup match against Wallingford the following day and with few players able to play back-to-back games Banbury needed to dig deep into their senior and colts section. The Bulls team played with spirit and determination but were well beaten 64-0.

Both first and second XVs return to league action next week, away to Kidderminster Carolians and at home to Witney IVs respectively.