Banbury’s injury/unavailability’s list has been rapidly increasing in recent weeks. Ian Isham, Tom Eyston, Nick Pratt, James Jennings, Tommy Gray and Duncan Leese were all unavailable whilst Chris Davies, Jacob Mills and Dan Brady were all ruled out through injury.

Matt Goode went for a healthy balance of youth and experience in his selection. Oscar Triggs got a first start at his favoured position of fly-half. Tom Burman who played his first game at outside centre last weekend played his first game at inside centre. Charlie Mallock made his second start for the Bulls while Justin Parker returned from his one-week suspension.

Salisbury have had a tough season on the pitch with 65 players making appearances for the first team in 19/20. Banbury lost last season away at Salisbury with the Bulls 31-0 down in the opening 25 minutes before eventually losing 46-35. A much-improved performance was required this time around.

Both teams started fairly even with Salisbury missing a penalty in the opening minutes. It was Banbury who took the lead though with a try from Felix Marot. A sneaky lineout move where Marot threw in to Ed Berridge. Berridge quickly got the ball back to Marot who then ran in untouched to score. Ed Phillips was off target from the side-line. Salisbury 0 Banbury 5.

Although Banbury got close to adding to their lead no more points would be scored in a poor first half.

Banbury started the second half much brighter than the first and two quick scores helped settle the Bulls and edge them closer to a try bonus point.

Ed Berridge scored a brilliant solo effort to extend the lead for Banbury. Berridge peeled off the back of a scrum close to the 10-metre line before weaving his way through the opposition defenders and some lovely dummies allowed him to score under the posts. Converted, 0-12.

Banbury’s third try came from some great footballing skills from the backs. Alex Caviezel-Cox chipped over the top before Joe Mills kicked the ball on further in to the 22. Tom Burman outsprinted his opposite man to poke the ball on with the boot before diving on the ball in the in-goal area. Conversion missed, 0-17.

Joel Thomas secured a try bonus point for the Bulls close to the 60-minute mark in the game. Oscar Triggs whipped a flat pass to play in James Leonardi who offloaded brilliantly to Joel Thomas who then ran in untouched close to the posts. Converted, 0-24.

Salisbury battled hard all game and got their first points of the game with a try of their own. The ever-dangerous Nick Wotton made a break for the home side before offloading to Richard Goffin who broke through some poor Banbury defending to score. Conversion missed, 5-24.

Tom Macdonald added a 5th try for Banbury after a lovely pass from Ed Phillips. A rolling maul was illegally brought down close to the line but with the penalty advantage Phillips whipped a flat pass to Macdonald who tip-toed down the side-line before cutting inside to score to the left of the posts. Converted, 5-31.

In the final minutes Salisbury added another score after Chris Beaumont took a quick penalty and darted his way over the line. Nick Wotton quickly converted but there was no time for a comeback for the home side. 12-31.

The Bulls back to winning ways. With the playoff hopes out of their hands Banbury can only keep winning and putting pressure on their rivals. Banbury won’t have been happy with their first half but adjusted well for the second half and deservedly took all 5 points in the end. It was a shame to see Salisbury relegated last weekend. Never an easy place to come to but we have always been greeted with fantastic hospitality and passionate support.

Joe Mills was selected as Banbury’s man of the match. The full-back carried well all game, making a number of line breaks as well as having a fantastic game in defence. A week off for the Bulls next weekend but newly crowned BBO2N champions, Banbury Lions 2nd XV, will be hosting Henley III. All support greatly appreciated.

Speaking to Head Coach Matt Goode after the game:

After last weekend’s disappointing loss, how important was it to get back to winning ways and securing all five points?
“It was a fantastic way to bounce back from last weekend. Especially with a team full of former Banbury Colts. I’m really happy for the boys and really happy to get five points. Salisbury away isn’t an easy trip for anyone so bring a young side we showed real character to get the win.”
Probably Banbury’s youngest squad of the season. Do you think that is a testament to the hard work the club has done not just this season but over multiple years to get these young guys to the level they are at today?

“Absolutely, it makes me look good as the first team head coach but actually the success is down to the coaches who have worked with the boys for years and years. To see how many of them who have come out of Colts in recent seasons shows what great work JB (John Baker) has been doing to keep the boys interested and playing to a high level. You also have to credit our mini’s and junior’s coaches who have helped raise some fantastic young players.”

A weekend off now for the Bulls. Probably coming at just the right time with the amount of injuries we’ve had recently. A big final push in those last 4 games now?
“Not many games left. The second team have a game at home next weekend which a few of the boys from today might play in to increase their game time. But we’ll try and get the boys fresh as possible for the run in. It’s nice to take a little break. It’s a long season and plenty of the boys have got little niggles that a week off will only help. Sherborne at home won’t be any easy fixture so we’ll be working hard in the build up to that game.”

Point Scorers:
Tries: Felix Marot, Ed Berridge, Tom Burman, Joel Thomas and Tom Macdonald.
Conversions: Ed Phillips (3)

15. Joe Mills (Sponsored by: DTC International) *
14. Dan Kirwin (Sponsored by: Hollywood Bowl) *
13. Justin Parker (Sponsored by Wurzel Broadband) *
12. Tom Burman *
11. Alex Caviezel Cox (Sponsored by: Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage) *
10. Oscar Triggs *
9. Ed Phillips (Captain) (Sponsored by: P Montanaro – ITSM Consultancy) *

1. James Leonardi (Sponsored by: Tim Varney) *
2. Felix Marot *
3. Ken Key (Sponsored by: Lockwoods Ski and Outdoor)
4. Lewis Wheeler *
5. Joel Thomas (Sponsored by: The Troopers)
6. Charlie Mallock *
7. Tom Macdonald (Sponsored by Liberis) *
8. Ed Berridge (Sponsored by: BKR Property Floorplans and Lease Plans)

Replacements:
16. Liam Lloyd
17. Steve Potter *
18. Matt Goode (Sponsored by: Hook Norton Crop Consultancy) *