A good crowd at Bodicote Park were treated to an exciting game of rugby which saw Banbury narrowly claim the spoils in a tight contest which ended their visitor's unbeaten record. The victory was built on a committed defensive effort and the accurate boot of skipper, Eddie Phillips (pictured) who finished with a personal haul of 25 points from six penalties a conversion plus the match winning try.

With a strong wind at their backs Banbury were soon on the board with a Phillips penalty which was followed up by a successful long range effort to increase the lead. It was now the turn of the powerful Newbold forwards to control the proceedings but despite winning the lion's share of possession the Banbury defence stood firm until, trying to run the ball out of defence they conceded a turnover which Newbold exploited to put winger, Sean Pollard in for a try at the corner.

A penalty from Joss Andrews edged Newbold in front but another long range effort from Phillips restored Banbury's advantage which was increased when Brand, taking the kick-off made good ground before feeding Nick Pratt whose poweful charge opened up the Newbold defence and quick hands enabled Dan Tooth to put winger Alex Gandy in for a try which the reliable Phillips converted.

Another Phillips penalty shortly before half time seemed to put Banbury firmly in command, but Newbold establishing play deep in the Banbury 22 narrowed the gap when the referee awarded a penalty try as the Banbury pack collapsed a scrum on their own line. With the conversion a formality Banbury's lead at the break was just four points which did not seem enough as they now had to face the wind.

After the break Phillips and Andrews traded penalties before Newbold took the lead when their wealth of possession finally forced a breach in the resolute Banbury defence allowing prop forward Mitch Wells to cross for a try which was converted by Andrews. At this stage with the Newbold forwards having complete ascendancy in the set pieces the prospects of a Bulls win seemed slim, but to their credit the lightweight Bulls forwards, seemingly the fitter of the two packs managed to win more ball to take play into the Newbold half and another Phillips penalty levelled the score after Newbold flanker, Danny Treharne, was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements.

With the game entering the closing stages Banbury made the advantage of the extra man count when a break from Lionel Bryne set up an attacking position in the Newbold 22 and from a five metre scrum the Banbury pack provided a solid platform for no 8 Brand to pick up and feed Phillips who squeezed in at the corner, injuring his ribs in the process and having to leave the field.

Newbold still had time to mount a series of attacks but the outstanding Banbury defence held firm to claim the victory