Banbury finished their season with a 27-38 victory over Oxfordshire rivals, Witney. Man of the match performances from Ken Key and Tom Burman secured all the points.

After the disappointment of another walkover victory, Banbury had only played one game since mid-March and there was definitely some rust to shake off in the early stages. Witney started the brighter and Rory Atkins spun out a tackle to score in the corner. Conversion missed, 5-0.

Banbury responded in the best way possible with a try of their own. Louis Tooth put a big shot in just inside Banbury’s half to force a knock on. The Bulls countered quickly and a lovely pass out the back of the hand from Ed Phillips released Tom Burman. Burman still had plenty to do but he stepped one man before sprinting his way over from 40m out. Ed Phillips converted, 5-7.

Witney would re-take the lead with another try of their own. The home side kicked a penalty to the corner and from the resulting lineout, Marcus Reading touched down at the back of a rolling maul. Conversion missed. 10-7.

Mark Greenwood added a third for Witney when he darted over from close range to score in the same corner the first try was scored in. Oliver Brian converted to give Witney a deserved 17-7 lead with 25 minutes on the clock.

Jonathan Derrick was yellow carded for Witney when he deliberately knocked on when Banbury had a big numerical advantage out wide. The Bulls took advantage of the extra man to score two quick tries before half time. First Chris Davies drove over at the back of a rolling maul. Ed Phillips adding a tricky conversion in blustery conditions, 17-14.

Jacob Turner then drove another rolling maul over, but this time Ed Phillips couldn’t add the extras. Still, it gave Banbury a slim lead at half time, 17-19.

No sooner had the second half started than Witney re-took the lead. Oliver Brian with a lovely run to score to the left of the sticks. His conversion attempt came back off the post though, 22-19.

Following another deliberate knock on, Banbury kicked to the corner. The rolling maul was dragged down, but a couple phases later Tom Burman made a half break before releasing Joe Mills who dived over close to the posts. Converted, 22-26.

With 15 minutes left the home side scored another rolling maul try, this time James Merriman touching down to put Witney back in the lead. Another conversion attempt went wide though to make it 27-26.

Quinten Blythe produced some individual brilliance to get Banbury back in front. The backs attacking following a scrum, Quinten put a lovely sidestep in to beat two defenders before sprinting over under the posts. Converted, 27-33.

With the game finally balanced going into the last ten minutes the Banbury pack scored a brilliant try to secure the victory for Banbury. In an afternoon that had plenty of rolling maul tries, this one was a pick of the bunch. The Bulls started the drive outside the 22 but despite the best efforts from Witney, legally and illegally, the forwards kept on driving, eventually James Leonardi touching down. Conversion missed, 27-38.

Witney searched for a losing bonus point, but the Banbury defence held out. Ed Phillips kicking the ball out to bring up the full-time whistle. A really entertaining game. The lead changed multiple times and there was some good attacking rugby on show. A good way to end a great season. Ken Key playing in his final game was selected as Banbury’s man of the match as well as Tom Burman. Ken having a solid and reliable game like always. Always prepared to do some of the dirty work it was only fitting that he led the team out in his final game. Burman also had a fantastic game, he finished the season with more than a try a game and Saturday was an outstanding performance from the young man.

Match Stats:
Tries: Tom Burman, Chris Davies, Jacob Turner, Joe Mills, Quinten Blythe and James Leonardi
Conversions: Ed Phillips (4)

Speaking to Matt Goode after the game:
27-38, a pretty thrilling way to end the season, certainly a good one for the neutrals, how would you rate that game?
“Great one for the neutrals. It was pretty intense the whole way though. I thought Witney brought their A game. They were great, fans were noisy. You’d pay money to come and watch games like that. Our boys dug in and just had enough to win, but what a game. Great end to the season and we’ll celebrate hard tonight.”

I think the lead changed about 5-6 times, I don’t know about you but my adrenaline was getting pretty high towards the end. Were you getting worried, or did you believe the boys had it under control?
“Few worries, we let in a couple too many easy tries but credit to Witney, they were fantastic. I aged a few years in that one. We wanted to win, we wanted to finish on a high and that’s what we did. It’s a good way to finish a season.”

Ken Key man of the match in his final game, what a servant that man has been to this club. Just a few words about him.
“When Ken joined the club, we weren’t sure if he had the ability or not. He’d joined from Chipping Norton, and we didn’t know too much about him. But, he’s done a brilliant job. He’s been a stalwart for the last seven seasons. Credit to the man, he always puts in the effort. He trains every week, Tuesday and Thursday. He lives in Leamington, works in London. If people want to look up to somebody who’s prepared to put the hard graft in, he’s someone to look up to. He led the team out, not only is he a top player on the pitch but the loveliest person off it. Salt of the earth guy. Playing wise I think I’d have to give Tom Burman man of the match. He was excellent and got us out of a lot of holes. But at the ripe old age of 39, Ken was fantastic. We applaud that massively.”

This season as a whole, 2nd position in the league, promotion, how do you feel about this season?
“I’m really happy with the squad performance, we rotated really well. We’ve given the youngsters really valuable game time. If you’d have said second before the season looking at some of the teams in this league, I’d have bitten your hand off straight away. We were close to winning the title, but credit to Oxford Harlequins they have done a brilliant job. We won every game at home and that’s a fantastic achievement.”

Just finally, looking ahead to next season. There’s a provisional league structure for next season. You’ve got a rough idea of how you’ll be playing. What’s the key between now and that first game next season?
“Lot’s going on behind the scenes, but we’ll talk about that nearer the time. Hopefully lots of good announcements to come. The boys need to go away and enjoy their time off. We’ll play a bit of county but now’s the time to rest up and get ready to work hard when we get back. I don’t want to give away too much but it’s exciting for us next season. We’re playing a lot of teams that are good rugby playing teams which I think will suit us. There’s a lot of good teams but watch this space...”