DCS Stadium at Bodicote Park – Saturday 11th November 2017.

Match report by Alex Inch, photos by Simon Grieve.

After last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Royal Wootton Bassett, Banbury were looking for an improved performance against high-flying Salisbury. Salisbury were relegated from the division above last season but were looking to return to the South West Premier division at the first attempt.

It was Banbury who got off to the prefect start, Salisbury kicked the ball from deep in their own half. Freddie Cracknell received the ball on the half way line in the middle of the pitch and decided to back himself from distance. He burst his way through the Salisbury defensive line, breaking two tackles, stepped the next man before breaking through two more tackles and then sprinting his way under the posts. A brilliant solo effort from the pacey winger. Ed Phillips converted to give the Bulls an early 7-0 lead.

Banbury extended their lead shortly afterwards and again it was Freddie Cracknell who scored. Ian Isham burst his way down the blind side before drawing the last man and playing in Freddie Cracknell. The affectionately named Egg-Man tiptoed his way down the side-line before touching down wide to the left. Ed Philips converted to increase the gap to 14-0.

Salisbury hit back through the boot, Matthew Loader kicking a penalty to make it 14-3. It wasn’t long before Salisbury scored again but this time with a try of their own. Gary Williamson made a nice break and despite some good scramble defence eventually the ball was slipped inside to David Tonge who scored wide to the right of the posts. Matthew Loader couldn’t convert but the gap was reduced to 14-8.

Chris Phillips looked like he’d scored in the corner, but the referee indicated he hadn’t seen a clear grounding. From the resulting 5 metre scrum Ed Phillips got the ball out to Matt Goode who slipped the ball back inside to Freddie Cracknell who was running a nice line. Despite two defenders getting hold of him the winger used all his strength to drive his way over for his first half hat-trick. Ed Phillips converted to make it 21-8.

Banbury had another try before the half time whistle. Banbury were awarded a penalty 5 metres out from the try line and elected to go for a scrum. The Banbury pack had the scrum rolling towards the try-line before being brought down and Banbury were awarded another penalty. Ed Phillips took a quick one and despite Salisbury not retreating 10, Ed Phillips managed to wriggle his way out of the tackle and touchdown against the base of the post. He picked himself up to convert his own try to increase the lead to 28-8. Salisbury narrowed the lead with another Matthew Loader penalty just before the half time whistle to leave it 28-11 at the break.

Whatever was said at half time to Salisbury clearly worked as they looked extremely dangerous after the break. David Tonge took a quick penalty but the Bulls defence managed to keep him out. The ball was regathered and slipped out wide to Callum MacTaggart who darted his way over from close range. Matthew Loader converted to close the lead to 28-18.

Banbury were down to 14 after Jimmy Manley was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. There was a suggestion of a forward pass in the build-up as well which only made it even more of a bitter pill to swallow. Matthew Loader kicked the resulting penalty to bring them back within once score, 28-21.

Salisbury soon took advantage of the extra man. Jack Sheldrake made a nice break through the Banbury line before offloading to Oliver Bowden who showed a great turn of pace to weave and out sprint the covering defence to score wide to the left. Matthew Loader converted to level the scores at 28-28.

Soon Salisbury were in front. Juan van de Merwe made a nice break down the left before offloading to Chris Beaumont who then offloaded to Christian Metson who scored wide to the left again. Some great hands from the Salisbury players. Matthew Loader continued his fine form with the boot to convert and leave the score 28-35.

Banbury tried their best to get back into the game, but Salisbury controlled the game brilliantly with phase after phase through the forwards up until the final whistle. A brilliant comeback from Salisbury and real frustration for Banbury. Banbury’s first half was probably their best of the season so far, but credit must be given to Salisbury who never let their heads drop and worked their socks off for the full 80 minutes.

Speaking to Banbury Head Coach Matt Goode after the game: “I think our fitness showed, too many missed tackles in the second half. I think it was a tale of two halves, but we need to learn how to manage a game and finish it.”

On Salisbury: “They’re a very good side, they got relegated last year from National 3 which shows they are a good side. We’ll take some very good points out of the game. I think we played some really good rugby, but we also did some things that were really poor. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Congratulations to Salisbury they played very good rugby and played it for 80 minutes.”

On the yellow card being a turning point: “Absolutely, it takes its toll. Obviously with 14 men its hard but we shouldn’t have got into that position. We should have kept the pressure up and kept the ball in there half. We gave it away cheaply which lead to the break and then the yellow card. We’ll be focusing on Tuesday about securing the ball and managing these situations.”

On next week’s cup game: “We need to get back to winning ways. We’ll make a few changes for Oxford Greyhounds. We know what they’re like and it’s going to be a completely different game. There’s a few boys that are playing well in the 2’s who deserve a shot. Hopefully this’ll show our strength in depth again and we’ll pick up a win and progress in the cup.”

Try scorers: Freddie Cracknell (3), Ed Phillips.

Banbury Line-up:

15. Joe Mills (Sponsored by: DTC International)
14. Tommy Gray (Sponsored by: Edd Frost & Daughters)
13. George Grieve
12. Jimmy Manley (Sponsored by: Godiva Insurance)
11. Freddie Cracknell (Sponsored by: F M & P Consultancy)
10. Matt Goode (Sponsored by: Hook Norton Crop Consultancy)
9. Ed Phillips (Sponsored by: P Montanaro – ITSM Consultancy)

1. Ian Isham (Captain) (Sponsored by: Fieldcraft)
2. Giles Saar (Sponsored by: Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage)
3. Ken Key (Sponsored by: Lockwoods Ski and Outdoor)
4. Matt Brock
5. Kallum Dixey
6. Matthew Powell
7. Jacob Mills
8. Chris Phillips (Sponsored by: Lorne Alway)

Replacements:
16. Steve Potter
17. Ed Harden
18. Jack Briggs (no, the other one….)