Match reporting by Bob Mitchelmore.

Spring Lane, Malvern - Saturday 11th October 2014

Injuries and unavailability saw the Bulls fielding a weakened team and despite leading for much of the game it was Malvern's superiority in the set pieces that finally proved to be decisive.

Heavy rain in the first half made handling difficult with both sides making errors and it was the Bulls who opened the scoring when Ed Phillips (pictured) seized on a loose ball in mid field and hacking through won the foot race to the line. Malvern responded putting the Banbury defence under considerable pressure and eventually following a yellow card for the Bulls second row, Matt Brock, a series of scrums on the Banbury line resulted in the award of a penalty try which was duly converted to give the home side the lead.

With the Bulls having to live of scraps of possession their lively backs had few opportunities, but a rare foray into the Malvern 22 saw Joe Mills, deputising at fly half, side step his way through the Malvern defence for a fine individual try converted by Phillips. Malvern narrowed the gap with a penalty and the half ended with the Banbury defence holding out under a sustained Malvern attack.

The second half followed the same pattern with the experienced Malvern pack putting the Bulls under pressure and monopolising possession but solid Banbury defence kept their line intact and when a Malvern handling movement broke down in the Banbury half winger, Josh Deegan, kicked ahead and gathered the ball to feed the supporting Jed Boyle who crossed for a well taken try which Phillips again converted.

Needing two scores to win the game Malvern redoubled their efforts and the deficit was reduced when a drive from a lineout close to the Banbury line resulted in a try. With time running out and the Bulls holding a narrow four point lead the game was in the balance but again a yellow card for Banbury hooker , Mickey Fox, proved critical as an under strength Bulls back were shunted back at a scrum to allow Malvern to claim a pushover try, giving the home side a single point advantage.

With the game now in injury time Banbury mounted a final attack and retaining the ball well went close to scoring, but when a Phillips attempt at a drop goal was charged down Malvern were able to relieve the pressure and play returned to the Banbury 22 and in the final play of the game a second penalty try was awarded for a scrummage offence by the Bulls,and with the try being converted the Bulls not only lost out on a losing bonus point but also saw Jed Boyle red carded for voicing his opinion of the referees decision.

The next two games could well define the Bull's season as they take on Newbold and Nuneaton Old Edwardians who have both leapfrogged them in the league table. Injuries continue to be a problem and whilst the Bulls will hope that some who missed the Malvern game will be available next week against Newbold, they could well be without both Joe Mills and Matt Brock who had to leave the field with injuries.