Bodicote park - Saturday 11th January 2014

Match reporting by Bob Mitchelmore

'Action' photos and video clip by Simon Grieve

Whilst centre, David Taylor, led the way with a hat-trick to earn the Man of the Match award this was a good team performance with the bonus point win pushing the Bulls up to fifth in the league.

Withstanding early Droitwich pressure Banbury took the lead when from deep in their own half good inter-passing by backs and forwards saw 2nd rower, Matt Brock, providing the final pass to allow Chris Phillips to score.

With the Bulls gaining the upper hand in both tight and loose a strike against the head established an attacking position close to the Droitwich line and prop, Mickey Fox, burrowed over at the posts leaving Alex Fogavini a simple conversion.

Looking to run the ball at every opportunity the Bulls extended their lead with a Seamus O'Dwyer break leading to a try from David Taylor, and then O'Dwyer was rewarded with a try of his own.

The half ended with Droitwich having their flanker shown a red card for verbal abuse of the referee and a Josh Deegan try following an incisive break from fullback, Joe Mills compounded their difficulties. With Fogavini landing a further two conversions Banbury held a commanding 31-0 lead at the break.

With the game and bonus point secure the Bulls concentration levels dropped with errors creeping into their game which allowed 14 man Droitwich to enjoy their best period of the match which culminated in centre, Tom Wormington, crossing for Sean Walker to convert.

Following this setback the Bulls reasserted their authority with Taylor crossing for his second try following a Jed Boyle break, and Boyle was again the provider when gathering a clever kick from Fogavini he put Taylor in for his hat-trick. The influential Fogavini rounded off a thoroughly satisfactory afternoon for the Bulls gathering a loose ball on half way to run in unopposed.

Next week the Bulls travel to strugglers Dunlop, looking to extend their encouraging start to the New Year and to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.