Parkfield Road, Newbold – Saturday 31st January 2015.

Match reporting by Eddie Phillips, action photos by Simon Grieve.

Despite conceding 9 tries it was Banbury who took the lead after the hosts conceded a penalty 40 meters out in front of the posts. Skipper Eddie Phillips slotted the kick and Banbury would have thought they were taking first blood in a tight contest. Newbold came back with a vengeance, with big, strong ball carriers giving them a strong platform and quick ball to tear Banbury to pieces. Newbold’s first try coincided with Banbury’s first two injuries of the afternoon, seeing the very promising young player George Grieve (pictured) requiring surgery on his shoulder, and Sam Mills was withdrawn with an ankle injury.

Newbold continued to dominate in all areas; both in the loose and the set piece, and this sustained pressure did not let up for the remainder of the half, seeing Banbury go in 33-3 down at half time despite having played with a relatively strong wind at their backs. Banbury had a stern talking to from head coach James Kerr at half time, but this did little to change the shape of the match. Newbold continued to charge up the pitch with big strong runners and were seemingly able to attack where they wanted from the platform created by large and mobile pack.

The scoring for Newbold and the injuries to Banbury continued, Banbury’s task was made that bit tougher when Jacob Mills was forced off the field with concussion, which will see him miss the next 3 weeks of action and Steve Nutt (shoulder) who, to his credit tried to fight off the injury. This left Banbury without any further replacements available so had to play the remainder of the game with 14 men. Bizarrely It was with 14 men that Banbury showed how they can usually play and displayed some of their better rugby, perhaps the tiring opposition and extra space making the difference. Unfortunately it was too little too late and despite having couple of decent spells in the opposition 22 they could not increase their score. Newbold did not have the same problem and ended up 61-3 winners in a very one-sided contest.

Newbold will go on to battle it out for promotion with Old Laurentians at the top of table who they face on the final day of the season, while Banbury’s promotion hopes have dwindled for this season. The injury list is now very long for Banbury, but nonetheless they will have to show the spirit they mustered in the final period at Newbold if they want to return to winning ways at home on Saturday versus Nuneaton Old Edwardians.