The Bulls came out to overcast but dry conditions at the Graf UK Stadium off the back of a great win over Broadstreet last time out. With Burton the victors in the reverse fixture in wet conditions it was all to go after for Banbury to assert some revenge. The match started quickly with Burton off the mark first with a penalty. The Bulls came close in the first minute in the of the match but Burton took the ball up the other end and converted from the tee after the Bulls were adjusted to be offside [0-3]. Once the match had settled the Bulls scored the first try of the day. An excellent run from Quinten Blythe fed Matt Dandy who brilliantly found a gap in the defensive line to touch down just to the right of the posts, conversion was successful [7-3]. Moments later the Bulls were found offside again and Burton opted for the posts, the kick was successful [7-6]. Matters took another twist in no time at all the Bulls went on a mazy run only to be upended with a Burton player sent for 10 minutes and were down to 14 for a tip tackle on Sam Cox. Charlie Cranley took advantage of brilliant work done by the Bulls backs making the extra man count. From an excellent run from Dan Hale beating two defenders he offloaded to an expectant Cranley, with plenty of work still to do he steps his opposite man on the inside and touches down for Banbury. Conversion unsuccessful [12-6]. The Bulls ended the half in front, but with the match being more entertaining than the scoreline may suggest, it was all to play for in the second half.

Half Time - Banbury 12-6 Burton

It was an awful start to the second half, Burton took the lead with a mixture of missed tackles and a great run, finding space and punished an ill disciplined Bulls side to go infront. Try was converted [12-13]. The Bulls grew into the second half creating chances and manufactured clean ball to attack and push forward, but unfortunately nothing came. It was Burton to seal the afternoon’s play. With a brilliant kick to the corner from the half way line, the Bulls withstood the Burton attack well but eventually pressure gave way and Burton went over for the second try of the afternoon. Conversion was missed [12-18]. Burton come away with the win after relentless phase pressure right at the end but hold on. A great battle with the Bulls ruing some missed chances, but credit to Burton who defended excellently and executed their chances. The Bulls are at home vs Derby next weekend.

Full Time - Banbury 12-18 Burton

Player of the Match - Presented by James Taylor

Matt Dandy for a great performance this afternoon, he was everywhere and has been a brilliant addition to the squad.

Banbury
Starting XV
15. Quinten Blythe; 14. Alex Wilton; 13. Owen Wildgoose; 12. Dan Hale; 11. Charlie Cranley; 10. Oscar Triggs; 9. Sam Cox
1. James Leonardi ©; 2. Matt Rabiasz; 3. Sean Woollard; 4. Louis Tooth; 5. Will Thurlow; 6. George Ding; 7. James Hibbert; 8. Matt Dandy

Replacements
16 Jack Briggs; 17 William McCubbin; 18 Dan Kirwin;

Burton
Starting XV
15 Dominic Phillips; 14 Tristan de Jager; 13 William Derry; 12 Alex Nesbitt; 11 Ben Meads; 10 Will Simpson; 9 Chaz Bunting
1 Ben Smith; 2 Tommy Collingwood; 3 Luca di Giovanni; 4 Stephen Hunt; 5 John Kirwan; 6 Andrew Martin; 7 Will Hopwood; 8 Josh Kent

Replacements
16 Rhys Williams; 17 Joe Gazzard; 18 Harry Titley