Monks Lane, Newbury - Saturday 21st January 2017

Match report by Ed Phillips

On a day when only 3 games were played in the league due to the icy conditions, the defeat hasn’t affected the Bulls league position and they remain 4th.

Banbury started the game strongly. Despite not making huge inroads into the Blues defensive line, Banbury retained the ball well; this lead to a penalty which saw Ed Phillips (pictured) hit the upright. The Bulls kept the pressure on and scored from a scrum in the Newbury 22. A simple first phase move made deadly by Matt Goode’s fierce line breaking through 10 and 12, then finding winger Freddie Cracknell who crossed under the posts for his 2nd try in 3 games. Phillips added the extras and Banbury deserved their lead against a frustrated Newbury side. 0-7.

Banbury full of confidence continued to attack, and were pressing the Newbury line. Banbury were in behind Newbury’s defence, the Bulls looking to spread the ball wide to the corner where Newbury’s players seemed to be already waiting in an offside position, but the referee adjudged them to be onside. The Newbury winger intercepted and had the pace to run the length and the scores were now level at 7-7.

The game evened out for the remainder of the half, Newbury let one chance go begging where they broke clear, but Banbury were presented another chance to take the lead on the stroke of half time, but again Phillips was off target with a penalty attempt. Leaving the sides level at half time, both sides wanting to improve in the second period.

The Bulls struggled after the break, while Newbury upped the pressure, in previous weeks Banbury have managed to contain sides in this situation, but Newbury showed their class, adding 4 more try’s to their tally, including an impressive length of the field kick return.

In truth Banbury wilted, they showed very little attacking threat and let Newbury play all of the rugby on the front foot. There is no denying that Newbury are a strong outfit and worthy of their league position, but the way the Bulls played in the second half will not have pleased them, but it is a gentle reminder of the hard work that was put in to go 8 unbeaten and will certainly keep their feet on the good for when they take on Old Centralians at Bodicote park on Saturday.