This success was founded upon a powerful effort from the pack who, for most of the game, dominated both the set pieces and the loose with second row forward Nick Pratt enjoying another excellent game.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half the Bulls dominated possession rarely allowing Dunlop to use the elements. Always looking to counter attack the Banbury backs, with winger Jed Boyle looking particularly dangerous, were creating try scoring opportunities only for the final pass to go astray.

However midway through the half a scrum on the Dunlop 22 saw Banbury move the ball through the backs allowing full back Carl Daniels to score on the overlap. Further pressure in the Dunlop 22 led to a penalty converted by Ed Phillips to give the Bulls a valuable 8-0 lead at the break.

Banbury were slow out of the blocks at the beginning of the second half and a series of missed tackles allowed Dunlop to set up a promising attacking position. A Dunlop kick was well covered by scrum half Josh Deegan deep in his own 22 and sensing that the the Dunlop defence was out of position quickly moved the ball wide and good handling by both backs and forwards put Boyle clear on the halfway line, and his pace was sufficient to beat the cover defence for an excellent length of the field try.

Any thoughts that Banbury had that the result was tied up were quickly dispelled when after a series of Banbury indiscretions Dunlop were allowed to camp upon the Bulls line and eventually the Dunlop fullback crashed over under the posts. With the conversion duly kicked the match was far from over, but the Bulls forwards redoubled their efforts and were perhaps unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty try when a pushover try seemed certain.

Instead just a penalty was given and rather than taking an easy kick at goal Banbury opted for another scrum at which they were penalised allowing Dunlop to clear their lines. With the game ebbing and flowing Banbury finally made the game safe when seizing on a loose ball in their own half, kicked ahead and Daniels following up at great speed gained possession to feed James Heywood who crossed for the try.

With back to back wins the Bulls will be looking to build on these performances in the second half of the season with the side having a more settled look, but they could be without utility back, David Taylor, who had to leave the field in the second half with a shoulder injury. However coach, James Kerr, has hopes that both Andrew Joubert and Peter Papenfus will soon be available to boost the back division.

Referee: Mr Andy Graham.

Match reporting: Bob Mitchelmore
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