Banbury Bulls closed out their 2024 campaign with a frustrating 45–13 defeat away at Bridgnorth — a sobering contrast to the narrow victory they enjoyed in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In a game dominated by the hosts from the outset, Banbury struggled to impose themselves and were punished ruthlessly by a physical and well-drilled Bridgnorth side.

On a brisk but dry afternoon, the match began with promise, but it was Bridgnorth who struck first. A mix of powerful carrying and sharp offloading split the Banbury defence wide open, allowing them to crash over under the posts for the game’s opening converted try.

Tommy Gray briefly narrowed the margin with a penalty after great work at the breakdown from Kelvyn Togia, but that would be one of the few highlights in a difficult first half for the visitors.

Bridgnorth took full control, crossing three more times before the break — first through a dominant driving maul, then a stunning 40-metre solo effort from their number 8, and another close-range score from their rampaging forwards. With all conversions successful, the hosts stormed into a 28–3 lead.

Banbury nearly responded through a cross-field kick, but the ball was knocked on over the line — a moment that typified their opening 40.

Half Time - Bridgnorth 28-3 Banbury

The second half began with renewed energy from the Bulls. Quinten Blythe produced a moment of class with a 50:22 kick, and after some sharp defensive work, exploited a gap himself to score Banbury’s first try. Tommy Gray added the extras, and soon followed it up with a penalty after a neck roll offence from the hosts to reduce the deficit to 28–13.

Just as Banbury looked to build momentum, Bridgnorth reasserted their dominance. A well-constructed counterattack saw them score again after relentless forward pressure. Another long-range breakaway effort, finished under the posts, all but sealed the win. A final try in the corner from the Bridgnorth backs capped off a complete performance from the home side.

Full Time - Bridgnorth 45-13 Banbury

It was a sobering end to the year for Banbury, who never truly found their rhythm against a fired-up Bridgnorth outfit. Despite some brief second-half sparks, the Bulls were second-best for most of the afternoon.

Banbury now has a few weeks to regroup before returning to action on January 4th with an away trip to Silhillians. With the season still wide open, there’s every chance for the Bulls to respond with renewed focus in 2025.

Bridgnorth RFC
Starting XV
15 Matthew Needham; 14 James Barham; 13 Benjamin Ralph; 12 Oliver Neill; 11 Luke Brough; 10 Elliot Murphy; 9 Gareth Bladen;
8 Connor Nicholls; 7 Charley Wright; 6 Haloti Molitika; 5 Morgan French; 4 Edward Taylor; 3 George Newman; 2 Luis Evitt; 1 Jonah Boyce

Replacements
16 Ben Morris; 17 Joseph Cave; 18 Jack Cole

Banbury RUFC
Starting XV
15 Quinten Blythe; 14 Freddy Bunce; 13 Augustus Stapleton; 12 Daniel Hale; 11 Charlie Cranley; 10 Thomas Gray; 9 Joseph Mills
1 Sean Woollard; 2 Kelvyn Togia; 3 Quade Leo; 4 William Thurlow; 5 Douglas Backhouse; 6 James Hibbert; 7 Jacob Drabble; 8 Jacob Turner

Replacements
16 Simon Bailey; 17 Louis Tooth; 18 Sam Cox