Banbury’s penultimate league fixture of the season turned into a dramatic try-fest at the Graf UK Stadium, with 14 tries shared in a pulsating 52-43 defeat to Burton. Despite a strong attacking display and moments of individual brilliance, the Bulls ultimately fell just short in a high-scoring encounter where defence was in short supply but entertainment was not.

The Bulls came flying out of the blocks, opening the scoring through the impressive Zach Garrett, who peeled off a rolling maul to dot down. Gabe Smith soon followed with another try after a slick offload from Quinten Blythe, and when Quade Leo and Tommy Gray both added spectacular solo scores, Banbury were cruising at 24-7.

However, Burton refused to roll over. Their forwards muscled over twice before the break and then capitalised on a penalty lineout to steal the lead before half-time, going in 28-24 ahead in a stunning turnaround.

Half Time - Banbury 24-28 Burton

Burton struck early in the second half to stretch the lead, but Banbury hit back. Garrett grabbed his second of the afternoon – his third in two matches – and Charlie Cranley finished off a length-of-the-field counter to reclaim a narrow 36-35 advantage. Still, Burton kept coming, scoring twice more in quick succession, the second following controversy as Banbury appeals for a crocodile roll went unheard.

Even with a late yellow card, the Bulls weren’t done. Blythe crossed after sharp back play and Tommy Gray nailed the touchline conversion to bring it to 49-43. But from the restart, Burton won a penalty for holding on and sealed the win from the tee.

Full Time - Banbury 43-52 Burton

A frustrating end to a chaotic match, with flashes of brilliance and effort across the park. Banbury’s attacking prowess was on full display, but defensive lapses proved costly. The Bulls will look to finish strong in their final game away at Derby.

Banbury RUFC
Starting XV
15 Gabriel Smith; 14 Freddy Bunce; 13 Quinten Blythe; 12 Euan Stevenson; 11 Charlie Cranley; 10 Tommy Gray; 9 Joe Mills;
1 James Leonardi; 2 Sean Woollard; 3 Simon Bailey; 4 Jacob Turner; 5 Douglas Backhouse; 6 James Hibbert; 7 Zach Garrett; 8 Quade Leo;

Replacements
16 Will Thurlow; 17 Jacob Drabble; 18 Ollie Nicholl;

Burton RFC
Starting XV
15 Wilfred Simpson; 14 Andrew Martin; 13 Tristian de Jager; 12 Samuel Smith; 11 Cyrus Griffiths; 10 Guy Kirkpatrick; 9 Charlie Bunting;
1 Edgar Brown; 2 Thomas Collingwood; 4 Luca Goldthorpe; 5 John Kirwan; 6 Edward Henry; 7 Macauley Green; 8 Lewis Sturgess

Replacements
16 William Parkes; 17 Dylan Beech-Bailey; 18 Daniel Rodden;

Player of the Match: Quinten Blythe – Try scorer, creator, and constant threat throughout.