Bericote Road, Blackdown - Saturday 22nd March 2014

Match reporting by Chris 'Cakes' Phillips.

With a fairly settled side, Richmond started at hooker instead of the injured Ell, and Fogavini, also injured, was replaced by Daniels in the backline. The later, resulting in a reshuffle as Joe Mills took over at fly-half and Daniels slotted in at full back.

The changeable weather that marred much of the build-up to the game soon settled part way through the first half, which made conditions more susceptible to running rugby. Banbury started brightly and looked to control the game, keeping OL’s pinned in their own half for long periods.

Banbury were kept at bay by some spirited defence and were unable to turn territorial dominance into points. On occasion where OL’s made ground and looked to attack, the Banbury defence was equal to it. A frustrating half for Banbury, and their travelling supporters, ended 0-0.

The second half was much along the same lines as Banbury continued to apply pressure to OL’s and make numerous half breaks, but lacked the clinical finishing that they have possessed in recent weeks. The forwards started to work well round the corners and a series of good phase play resulted in OL’s being penalised at the break down.

A quick tap from Phillips (no not 'that' one) saw the ball spun wide and Heywood was dragged down just yards short of the line. Banbury retained the ball well and eventually engineered space for Mills to put in a weighted grubber down the left flank for Boyle to run on to and dot down in the corner. Phillips (yes, 'that' one this time) on kicking duties missed a tough conversion.

OL’s forwards then took the game to Banbury and started to apply pressure of their own. Some ill-discipline from Banbury gave OL’s easy yards and eventually the pressure told. OL’s lock, Luke Cobb, able to breach the Banbury defence just enough to touch down with an outstretched arm.

With the game toing-and-froing, both teams kept looking to attack but neither had the cutting edge needed to unlock the others defence. A penalty around the OL’s 10 metre line, was kicked towards the Banbury 22. Ed Phillips did very well in keeping the ball in play and flicking it round his back to brother Chris. During this move the OL’s lineman judged the Skippers foot to be touch and play was called back for the lineout, much to the confusion of several players.

Banbury didn’t quite gather themselves from their perceived injustice as OL’s applied pressure in midfield. Eventually they swung the ball out right through several pairs of good, quick hands for centre Bishop to cross in the corner and give OL’s the lead. Again the conversion was missed and the game went into the final 5 minutes 10-5 to OL’s.

Banbury piled on the pressure for the remainder of the game looking for a last gasp victory. OL’s conceded a series of penalties on and around 5 metre line, but somehow managed to keep 15 men on the fied. Banbury were forced to run, with time elapsed, however OL’s defence held strong, managed to turn the ball over and scramble it behind their own line to end the game.

A disappointing day for Banbury who lost their unbeaten record and top spot as Earlsdon beat Kidderminster. There is a week off next week and Banbury will have to regroup for the last 2 games of the season, both at home, versus Spartan and Stourbridge .....and of course the County Cup final.