Coppice Lane, Sutton Coldfield - Saturday 14th December 2013

Match reporting by Bob Mitchelmore

A weakened Bulls side, in which Club President, Steve Mascall, received a last minute call up to meet a front row crisis put up a brave performance against the league leaders, but it was Spartans overwhelming superiority in the set pieces that carried the day.

Banbury were further hampered in losing centre, Carl Daniels, to a facial injury in the first minute which required hospital treatment, but playing with a strong wind at their backs the Bulls opened the scoring when a Spartans clearing kick was blown backwards towards their own line for Jed Boyle (pictured) to gather the loose ball to score.

With the Spartans forwards holding the upper hand the Bulls were penned back into their own half and a pushover try, converted from the touchline, gave the home team the lead. The Bulls responded with a try from James Heywood who ran an excellent line to take a clever pass from Alex Fogavini.

Eddie Phillips added the extras and extended the Banbury lead with a penalty. The half ended with the Bulls receiving a setback when from a line out close to their line the powerful home forwards mauled their way over the line for the try which was again converted from wide out.

Turning to face the wind a single point advantage did not seem enough, and Banbury were forced onto the defensive and were further handicapped when flanker, Sam Mills, received a yellow card. Spartans made use of their numerical advantage with a second pushover try to take the lead.

In the arrears and facing a gale the Bulls were facing a heavy defeat, but showing great resilience looked to run the limited possession that came their way, and a long run out of defence by Josh Deegan led to a second try from James Heywood with the conversion attempt unluckily rebounding off a post.

The narrow Banbury lead was short-lived as the defence, which had been outstanding all the game, for once missed vital tackles to allow the Spartans winger to cross, and with the conversion again being successful Spartans held a six point lead.

The Bulls still looked to run the ball at every opportunity, but ultimately it was the power of the home pack which proved decisive. The Bulls can take great credit from a committed performance and they did have the consolation of a losing bonus point.

A break in the league programme over the Christmas period will give the opportunity for injuries to heal, and Banbury can look forward to the New Year with confidence, and should be looking to consolidate a position in the top half of the table.