Banbury were missing some key players with a long list of unavailability’s after the Christmas break, but such is the squad depth Matt Goode has available to him this season Banbury were still able to select a strong squad, albeit with a number of players playing outside of their usual positions.

The Bulls started well with Jacob Mills held up over the line in the opening stages. The resulting scrum acted as the perfect platform for the backs to attack the Beaconsfield defence. Jack Briggs ran hard and burst his way through a gap in the defence before being stopped a metre short of the line. Briggs popped the ball up off the floor to Tom Burman who gathered and darted over from close range for the opening score. Ed Phillips converted, Banbury 7 Beaconsfield 0.

Tommy Gray extended the lead when he intercepted a loose pass from his opposite number on the halfway line and the fly-half sprinted over untouched for a score under the posts. Converted, 14-0.

Justin Parker added a third for Banbury shortly after. Ed Phillips threw a lovely dummy to allow him to break through the opposition line before offloading to Joel Thomas who carried before drawing the last man and playing in Parker to touch down close to the posts. Converted, 21-0.

The Bulls could have sealed the try bonus point in the first half, but two clean breaks were ended with Bulls offloading to opposition players. Beaconsfield showed strong character and in extra time at the end of the first half scored the try their play deserved. Joseph Dunster driving over from close range in the clubhouse corner. Conversion missed, 21-5.

Beaconsfield pounced on a mistake from Banbury to narrow the lead after the interval. The Bulls knocked on just outside their 22 and Beaconsfield attacked quickly as the Bulls tried to get back onside. Aled Lewis whipped a lovely pass to Charles Beard who ran through untouched before running in behind the posts for the score. Converted, 21-12.

Joel Thomas sealed a try bonus point with a richly deserved score. The flanker had put in some impressive line breaks throughout the game and following a lovely delayed pass from Felix Marot, Thomas ran in a score under the posts from the edge of the 22. Converted, 28-12.

Tom Burman scored his second try of the game late in the second half. Tom Eyston stole a Beaconsfield lineout and the ball was quickly out to the backs. Ed Phillips chipped over the top and Burman had far too much pace to win the footrace and score in the clubhouse corner. Stand-in Captain, Ed Phillips, impressively converted from the side-line to finish the day perfect with the boot to leave the scores 35-12. The final whistle coming shortly afterwards.

Not Banbury’s best 80 minute performance with maybe a little new year hangover, but 5 points to start the decade and the pressure kept on in the promotion race is a great result. Joel Thomas was picked as Banbury’s Man of the Match. The big flanker ran brilliantly, making break after break to keep Banbury on the front foot. He also added a couple important turnovers to round off a great game.

Banbury travel to Chippenham next weekend who have installed a new 4G pitch for this season. 3.00pm Kick Off for anyone who can join us!

Speaking to Head Coach, Matt Goode, after the game:

35-12 win. How happy/unhappy were you with Banbury’s performance today?
“I was fairly frustrated throughout but to score 35 points against a good side I’m happy with. To not concede many points was the goal today. We know we can score points and get those try bonus points. It was all about maintaining that unbeaten run and keep going and keep building.”

The fact you were missing maybe 5-6 players that arguably could have started today and still won by 20 points. Does that show how far Banbury have come in recent years?
“It really does. You look at maybe the 5 starters that didn’t play today but then you look at who the 5 players we wouldn’t have out there would be and it’s really difficult to pick them. We have a really good squad. If we’ve got boys away or injured, we’ve got guys that can fill in. We’ve got some rotation this year to make sure the boys stay fit and healthy but overall we’re playing some really good rugby. The headache of picking players with such a strong squad is a great one to have as Head Coach.”

Away to Chippenham next weekend. They’ve got a new 4G pitch. Do you think that will add a different dimension to the game?
“It might be a bit quicker. I’ll look at the squad and I’ll pick a team I think can beat Chippenham. I know there will be a couple of frustrated boys who won’t be involved a couple guys will come in who we think can help the squad. It’s finding the balance and making sure we keep all the boys keen and interested. Chippenham have had some good results recently. Especially in the run up to Christmas. They’ll be a lot stronger than the side we played at home earlier in the season. It’ll be a tough test.”

Point scorers:
Tries: Tom Burman (2) Tommy Gray, Justin Parker and Joel Thomas.
Conversions: Ed Phillips (5)

Banbury Bulls vs Beaconsfield. Kick Off 2.15pm, Saturday 4th of January at The DCS Stadium, Bodicote Park, OX15 4AF.

15. Alex Caviezel Cox (Sponsored by: Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage) *
14. Dan Kirwin (Sponsored by: Hollywood Bowl) *
13. Justin Parker (Sponsored by Wurzel Broadband) *
12. Jack Briggs (Sponsored by: Wykham Park Farm)
11. Tom Burman *
10. Tommy Gray (Sponsored by: Edd Frost & Daughters) *
9. Ed Phillips (Sponsored by: P Montanaro – ITSM Consultancy) *

1. James Leonardi (Sponsored by: Tim Varney) *
2. Chris Davies (Sponsored by: GDC Rail & Civils)
3. Tom Eyston
4. Will Thurlow
5. Sam Carr-Archer
6. Joel Thomas (Sponsored by: The Troopers)
7. Kallum Dixey (Sponsored by: Gallagher Insurance Brokers) *
8. Jacob Mills (Sponsored by: Hire Safe Solutions) *

Replacements:
16. Mickey Fox *
17. Felix Marot *
18. Joe Mills (Sponsored by: DTC International) *