Match reporting by Bob Mitchelmore, live 'tweets' by Simon Grieve (follow @BanburyRUFC on Twitter).

Despite enjoying a clear advantage in both possession and territory Banbury found a tenacious Leamington defence hard to breakdown and were thankful for a late penalty from fullback Andrew Joubert to claim the points.

Leamington were soon on the scoreboard as from the kick off they pinned Banbury in their own 22 and with their forwards recycling well eventually space was found for the backs to create the opening try for winger Jon Raby converted by Tom Jewitt.

Banbury, looking rusty after the lay-off due to the bad weather whilst enjoying plenty of possession were guilty of trying to force passes resulting in turnovers, one of which saw Leamington increase their lead when the Banbury backs lost possession near half way and the strong running Leamington backs took full advantage for winger Tom Daplyn to score in the corner.

Banbury eventually managed to turn pressure into points to reduce the deficit with a Joubert penalty only for Leamington to respond in kind from the boot of Jewitt to give the visitors a 15-3 half time lead.

The second half saw Banbury up the tempo, and despite having second row forward Nick Pratt in the sin bin full back Joubert was given enough space to burst through two tackles to score in the corner.

Banbury continued to press but too often good attacking positions were ruined by a combination of unforced errors and a disciplined Leamington defence. With the game entering its closing stages Banbury finally breached the Leamington defence when centre Peter Pappenfus ran an excellent line to take a pop pass at speed to cross under the posts. Joubert converted to level the scores.

With the game entering injury time further Banbury pressure yielded a penalty converted by Joubert and Banbury were able to withstand a final few minutes of Leamington pressure to claim the victory.

Referee: Mr Robin Heath (Oxfordshire Society)
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