Bodicote Park - Saturday 27th April 2013

Match report by Bob Mitchelmore.

In a thirteen try extravaganza Banbury came off second best to a well-drilled Old Laurentians side who finished as runners-up in the league just a single point behind champions, Kenilworth.

Whilst being well beaten Banbury can take great credit for dominating the final quarter of the game, scoring three of their five tries to secure a bonus point, and to give some respectability to the scoreboard.

Playing against the wind in the first half Banbury were under constant pressure with the Old Laurentians backs looking particularly dangerous. Despite some stout defence midway through the half, Banbury, having lost the hard tackling centre James Heywood to injury, conceded three quick tries from Iain Wallis, James Robinson and Simon Bayliss, two of which were converted, to give the Old Laurentians a firm hold on the game.

However before the break Banbury rallied and after a period of pressure on the O.Ls line scrum half Josh Deegan taking a quick tapped penalty forced his way over for a try.

With the wind behind them Banbury needed to start the second half in a positive manner if they were to get back into game, but weak tackling allowed the visitor's speedy backs to shred the home defence at will with tries coming from Bayliss (2), Troy Owen, and Ben Wiles all converted by Dan O'Brien.

To their great credit Banbury regrouped following this barrage with their forwards gaining some control leading to a try credited to Sam Mills from a driving maul.

Strong scrummaging on the O.Ls line led to the award of a penalty try to further reduce the deficit. The O.Ls responded with try number eight from Charlie Seager, but in the closing stages Banbury's perseverance paid off with tries from Matt Smith and David Taylor.

Skipper, Eddie Phillips kicked a conversion to add to a previous two and Banbury, although out played by the visitors, could finish their season with their heads held high.
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