Match reporting by Chris ‘Cakes’ Phillips

Wet weather and a heavy pitch dictated the way the game was going to be played for this 1st v 3rd Midlands 2 West (South) encounter.

Banbury kicked off and from the start looked to keep the home side pinned deep in their own half with a good kicking game. Trying to apply pressure Banbury forced a penalty in the Earldon 22, which captain Ed Phillips converted for a 0-3 lead.

Banbury kept to their game plan and used the kicking game well, but were not afraid to move the ball when the opportunity presented itself. One such opportunity led to the games opening try. Banbury’s backs made good yards and a sweep around the blindside presented the opportunity. Unfortunately the wet condition and strong defence meant the pass was loose, however a hacked kick was scooped up by Josh Deegan (pictured) who then crashed over the line in the corner, the conversion from wide out was off target but Banbury had a 0-8 lead.

Earlsdon’s pack was putting Banbury’s under a lot or pressure at the scrum. This pressure told as a Banbury scrum going backwards was unable to deal with the attack around the corner and Earlsdon’s flanker crashed over for the first of his brace.

Earlsdon’s foothold at the scrum saw Banbury concede penalties and led to a period of ill discipline as the home side could make easy yards up the pitch. From this they could sustain pressure and eventually get over the line, taking a 12-8 lead.

Although under pressure at the scrum, Banbury’s pack was getting on top elsewhere. An effective lineout saw Banbury gaining yards and provided a very solid platform for the backs to work with. Provided with good ball Banbury were able to regain the lead as Matt Goode went over from a good backline move. Sam Stoop converted to make the lead 12-15.

Earlsdon came back, however, with another converted try, 19-15, and setting up a tense finish to the game. The Banbury pack started to apply pressure winning penalties and making yards with effective driving lineouts. This pressure resulted in numerous penalties being conceded by the home side, although one attempt at the posts was missed a poor clearance was countered by Banbury and pressure was back on. The next penalty was converted by replacement fly half Alex Stevenson.

With the clock running down Banbury trailed by a point. Both teams trying to establish a strong kicking game in the wet conditions, but it was Banbury’s that was more effective. Controlled kicking meant Banbury could apply pressure across the pitch. Forwards and Backs working well together to force another penalty, again converted by Stevenson, Banbury took the lead 19-21 with not long to go.

Fantastic defensive, sustained pressure, and high work rate meant Banbury snuffed out every final Earldson foray, eventually taking an attack into touch.

Next Saturday the Bulls host Leamington at Bodicote Park, kick off 2.15 pm.