Marlborough had come out on top in both fixtures last season and after some more recruitment in the off-season meant they were certainly one of the favourites for promotion this season. Banbury’s trip to The Common was probably over the edge of physical last season. Banbury coming back with a long list of injuries which left a bad taste in the mouth. Saturday was the opposite, it was physical, bruising but never over the edge and a fantastic game of rugby.

Banbury had to make a couple changes to the team that beat Chippenham last weekend. Matt Goode and Joe Mills had their first starts of the season. Liam Lloyd and Felix Marot made their first appearances for the Bulls off the bench.

The opening 20 was as even as it gets. Both teams running hard and tackling harder, looking for gaps in the opposition line. Matt Goode was kicking brilliantly from fly-half, putting in some huge clearances to keep Marlborough pinned in their own half. Marlborough were playing with plenty of Polynesian flair though and threatened to attack from wherever they were on the pitch.

Ben George got the opening score of the game. A combination of Kallum Dixey and Duncan Leese forced a turnover after Marlborough tried to run it out from their own 22. A couple phases later Ben George threw a lovely dummy to hold the defence before diving over himself from close range. Duncan Leese converted to make it 0-7.

Duncan Leese was held up over the line in added time to end the first half. A cruel blow for the Bulls whose play deserved a second try.
Marlborough came out fired up for the second half. Two quick penalties from Will Grant kicked Marlborough back to within a single point. The first for not rolling away and the second for hands in the ruck. 6-7.

Dan Brady showed great endeavour to win a 5m scrum for Banbury. The winger chipped over the top and although the opposition full-back managed to beat Brady to the ball, Brady managed to wrestle him down for a Banbury 5m scrum. From the resulting scrum Ben George whipped the ball to Brady on the blindside and the winger showed incredible feet to beat his opposite man before diving for a score in the corner. Conversion missed, 6-12.

Minutes later Dan Brady was at it again. Ben George found Brady down the blindside on the halfway line and Brady showed lovely skill to beat his opposite number before throwing a lovely dummy to beat the opposition full-back and sprinting his way over to the left of the posts. Duncan Leese pushed a conversion wide he’d have make 9 times out of 10, 6-17.

Banbury turned down a kick-able penalty to push for a 4th bonus point try, but Marlborough won a penalty inches from their own line. Banbury were down to 14 when Felix Marot was yellow carded for not rolling away and suddenly Marlborough’s tails were up.
With less than 10 minutes left a comeback looked like it might be on when Lemeki Moala barreled his way through the Banbury line to score from 10 metres out. Will Grant converted to make it 13-17 and a very nervous final 5 minutes for the Bulls.

Marlborough threw everything at Banbury, but the defence held out. Chris Davies putting a big hit in to force a knock on before Tom Eyston dived on the loose ball for Banbury. Chris Davies picked himself up from his big shot gathered the ball and booted it in to touch for an extremely hard-fought victory for Banbury.

A brilliant game of rugby. Reminiscent of two boxers just swinging with everything they had for 12 rounds. Banbury defended so well for 80 minutes. It was pure body on the line rugby. Working as a team, communicating and supporting the player next to you. In truth Man of the Match could have gone to anyone but Matt Goode awarded it to the entire front five. James Leonardi, Chris Davies, Tom Eyston, Will Thurlow and Kallum Dixey. Marlborough had a huge pack, but the Banbury scrum was solid and never faltered.

Speaking to Head Coach, Matt Goode, after the game:
13-17, what an incredible game. And what a tense finish. How do you feel after that one?
“I’m exhausted! Do you know what the game was played with ferocity, with skill, with passion, but not once did it step out of line. I thought Marlborough were outstanding. They were a joy to play with. If they’d have nicked it at the end there, I’d have still said exactly the same. I thought they were a credit to their club. I’m looking forward to watching from the side-lines next weekend rather than playing a full 80 minutes! We focused on a few things in training this week on their pressure and their line speed. And it worked really well. I thought the scrum might be under pressure, but the front row and pack were outstanding today. They collectively deserved man of the match today for their efforts.”

Some of the young lads showed some incredible character today. It’s almost like you can see them aging beyond their years in front of your very eyes at times isn’t it?
“They’re getting better and better each game. It’s amazing watching them develop. They learn, they listen. It was amazing to see so many supporters here from Banbury as well. Members of the committee are here and they’re saying the exact same thing. Our ethos is to get our youngsters developing and enjoying their rugby.”

It doesn’t get any easier for Banbury with Old Centralians at home next weekend. Another bruising, physical side. In a way does today act as the perfect preparation for that game?
“We’ll have a little bit of a different game plan next week. But they’re a good side, physical but with a high skill level. You’ll have to wait till Saturday to find out. These games can be decided by the finest of margins which is why it’s important we have as many people up to the club as possible. I’ve said it so many times, but our support is like a 16th man. We’ll need it next weekend!”