Bodicote Park – Saturday 22nd October 2016

Match report by Ed Phillips

Banbury started brightly and this would have lifted the hopes of the of the faithful Banbury supporters, however the Bulls didn’t manage to turn this early pressure into points. Opinions are split on whether it was simply poor execution or being guilty of trying to play too much rugby too soon. This was soon to be as moot point as Old Pats turned their first possession into points, and it started what was to become the theme for the rest of the match.

Banbury had multiple chances to put the strike runner down but after 3 or 4 missed tackles it was impossible to mount a structured defence with the opposition in behind the home lines. Old Pats added another score in very similar fashion to take their early lead to 14-0 before thy missed a kickable penalty.

Banbury had another bright patch of attack, and this time they were able to convert this into points on the score board. Jimmy Manley broke down the left, but was dragged down by the full back. Banbury recycled the ball and Chris Phillips fed Sam Stoop (pictured) who scored in the corner. Ed Phillips added the extras to make the score 7-14. Banbury were growing into the game now, and were next on the score board through the boot of Phillips via a penalty from 40 metres out. 10-14 to the visitors.

The next phase was an important stage of the game, but Banbury flattered to deceive and missed more tackles and let Old Pats in for another well-constructed, but soft score. Banbury were heading into the break 16 points behind at 26-10, but if they could right their wrongs and use the possession and territory more effectively they might be able to turn the game around and take something from it.

The second half started much the same as the first with lots of promise from Banbury with the ball in hand, but they again failed to contain Old Pats. The visitors were ruthless and took away any chance of Banbury chalking up their first home win. Banbury put up a spirited fight when in possession of the ball and went in search of bonus points. They narrowly missed out, only scoring 3 of the necessary 4 tries. The second Bulls try of the day was scored by Matt Goode retuning from injury off the bench, converted by Phillips, and then Phillips himself sniped around the edge of the ruck but was unable to add the extras to his own score.

The game finished with Banbury on the attack, but decisions weren’t going the Bulls way meaning Old Pats could kick the ball dead and finish deserved victors by the healthy margin of 47-22.

Bulls again have positives they are able to extract from Saturdays performance, but they will need to toughen up for next week’s local derby at Oxford Harlequins.