Old Centralians dominated the early possession. Neither team was really making ground, but Banbury had to put a huge defensive effort in. Eventually the pressure told, Mike Mathers made a good break and as the Bulls retreated, Sam Pooly dived over in the corner. Conversion missed, 0-5.

Banbury took the lead after Duncan Leese showed great determination to score. Matt Goode kicked through and Leese chased. The Old Cents defender looked like he was going to get to the ball in time but Leese toe poked the ball on before gathering and running in untouched under the posts. Tommy Gray converted, 7-5.

Old Cents retook the lead after some nice hands saw Kerian Blackmore score under the posts. Converted, 7-12. Ben George picked up a gruesome looking ear injury trying to stop the try and was forced off just before the half time whistle.

Mike Mathers scored early in the second half for Old Cents. Old Cents have a strong pick and go game and the forwards did a great job to get Mathers in a position to score. Converted, 7-19.
The Banbury backs produced a lovely move to narrow the lead. Joe Mills played in Justin Parker down the right wing before Parker drew the last man and played in Tommy Gray for a score in front of the clubhouse. Gray converted his own try, 14-19.

Harry Preece kicked a penalty to make it 14-22. The lead was extended further when Old Cents were awarded a penalty try. A 5m scrum was stopped illegally from going over the try line. 14-29.

Dan Tyler scored another try for Old Cents late on as the Bulls tired. Some good work from the backs saw the winger played in down the right flank before scoring under the posts. Harry Preece added the extras. 14-36. The final whistle followed shortly after.

A bad day at the office for Banbury. Old Centralians starved the Bulls of possession and Banbury never really got a chance to try and find a way back into the game. Banbury needed some decisions to go their way and the result might have been different. Credit to Old Centralians though, they were very good and will definitely be one to watch in the promotion race.

Speaking to Matt Goode after the game:

Not Banbury’s day today, what do you think went wrong?
“Arrogance. We were really poor right from the start. Thursday, I thought we trained poorly. I think some of the boys need to have a look at themselves and get back to training properly. It was embarrassing.”

Can you take any positives from today? “No. None at all. There wasn’t even the work rate. There wasn’t the energy, the effort. There’s definitely going to be some changes for boys that want to wear the shirt.”

Old Patesians away next weekend. Always a tricky place to go. Is it going to be hard to pick the boys up for that after today? “No, I don’t think so. I hope the boys that come in will bring that passion and that energy. I can’t take it away from Old Centralians, they were clinical, they were decisive, they played the game right. We as a group need to get our heads together and sort these problems out.”

Try Scorers: Duncan Leese, Tommy Gray
Conversions: Tommy Gray (2)

15. Alex Caviezel Cox (Sponsored by: Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage)
14. Justin Parker (Sponsored by Wurzel Broadband)
13. Duncan Leese (Captain) (Sponsored by Wednesday Strollers)
12. Matt Goode (Sponsored by: Hook Norton Crop Consultancy)
11. Dan Kirwin Sponsored by: Hollywood Bowl)
10. Tommy Gray (Sponsored by: Edd Frost & Daughters)
9. Ben George (Sponsored by: Rugbyshield)

1. James Leonardi (Sponsored by: Tim Varney)
2. Felix Marot
3. Tom Eyston
4. Kallum Dixey (Sponsored by: Gallagher Insurance Brokers)
5. Will Thurlow
6. Jacob Mills (Sponsored by: Hire Safe Solutions)
7. James Jennings
8. Keiran Fitzgibbon (Sponsored by: Heaven & Stubbs)

Replacements:
16. Ken Key (Sponsored by: Lockwoods Ski and Outdoor)
17. Ed Berridge (Sponsored by: BKR Property Floorplans and Lease Plans)
18. Joe Mills (Sponsored by: DTC International)