Banbury Bulls launched the new year with a thrilling 31–24 comeback victory over Silhillians at Copt Heath, recovering from a 21-point deficit to secure a bonus-point win in their thirteenth outing of the season.

On a brisk January afternoon, it was the hosts who started with all the energy and control. Silhillians made a fast start, scoring three unanswered tries in the opening 25 minutes — each converted — to take what looked like a commanding 21–0 lead. Banbury struggled for discipline and possession, with Quinten Blythe shown a yellow card for an infringement at the breakdown.

But just when it looked like a long afternoon was on the cards for the Bulls, they sparked into life. Callum Tarbit gave Banbury a lifeline with a brilliant solo try, weaving through defenders before scoring close to the posts. Soon after, Joe Mills powered over following slick inside passing and quick hands. Both conversions were successful, narrowing the gap to 21–14 by half-time.

Half Time - Silhillians 21-14 Banbury

The second half began with Banbury on the front foot, although a penalty for a tip tackle allowed the hosts to extend their lead slightly to 24–14.

That, however, was the last time Silhillians would add to their tally.

Banbury responded with intensity and belief. The forwards took control, and after a high tackle saw the hosts reduced to 14, Kelvyn Togia took full advantage, finishing off a powerful driving maul from a lineout. Blythe then atoned for his earlier card, bursting through a tackle and sprinting over to give Banbury the lead for the first time. Gray added the extras to edge the Bulls ahead 26–24.

With momentum fully shifted, it was Tarbit again who delivered the decisive blow. Banbury’s attacking structures clicked beautifully and the winger finished in the corner for his second of the match. The conversion drifted wide, but the five-point lead remained intact.

Banbury managed the closing stages with maturity, denying Silhillians any opportunity to strike back and sealing a memorable victory on the road.

Full Time - Silhillians 24-31 Banbury

A match that began with frustration ended with elation for the Bulls, who showed grit and quality in equal measure to secure five vital league points. It’s a statement win to begin 2025 and a reminder of what this team is capable of when firing on all cylinders.

Next up, Banbury are on the road to Nuneaton, a match that promises plenty with the Bulls back in winning form.

Silhillians RUFC
Starting XV
15 Louis Roach; 14 Joshua Reynolds; 13 Ben Freeman; 12 Harry Jones; 11 Ollie Lidgate-Taylor; 10 Kieran Joyce; 9 David Edwards;
8 Stephen Hall; 7 Thomas King; 6 Fred Howard; 5 Joseph Bullock; 4 Sean Conway; 3 Lewis White; 2 Stephen Fraher; 1 Lawrence Finch;

Replacements [/b
16 Timothy Trace; 17 Ruben Staite; 18 Thomas Lee;

[b]Banbury RUFC
Starting XV
15 Quinten Blythe; 14 Callum Tarbit; 13 Gus Stapleton; 12 Dan Hale; 11 Charlie Cranley; 10 Tommy Gray; 9 Joe Mills;
8 Matt Dandy; 7 Jacob Drabble; 6 James Hibbert; 5 Jacob Turner; 4 Doug Backhouse; 3 Simon Bailey; 2 Kelvyn Togia; 1 James Leonardi;

Replacements
16 Quade Leo; 17 Campbell Clifford; 18 Olly Venni;