Making the journey to West Oxfordshire, Banbury we’re orovided with soggy ground and claggy boots.

With an early team talk and a split into their new teams (until the end of the year), Banbury took to their task with a focus and commitment lacking for much of this season.

The Development team looked anything but, with a number of players starting to show what the coaches know they can do. Special mention to Pearce for clearing out his first ruck and ripping a ball from an opponent, Perky and Darragh for some good forward runs, Ben for a strong defensive game and ruck, with Tom and Jae showing some direct running (and pace). Some of Witney’s extra experience told in the end with only a couple of missed tackles and the ball being worked wide on one occasion being the difference.

The representative team had the second game against Witney and started strongly. With the opposition under massive pressure during the first half, the game was effectively won. Strong running from Will and Maxwell driving deep into the opposition. After 25 minutes the teamwork disappeared and Banbury regressed into playing as individuals. With a strong word, the second half commenced and saw the game finish as it started, with a Banbury stranglehold. Notable performances from Aidan for his cheeky cross-field free kick and George J - not least including a ball rip rom a maul.

With a Banbury v Banbury final match, some excellent commitment was on show. With the Rep team slightly pipping the game as you might expect, the Dev team took it to them hard! Using good support structure and a positive attitude, they can be proud of an excellent first day’s rugby in their new teams.

Player of the week; Joe H for some powerful running and ownership of the ball near the line but mainly for his 3-man miss pass to set up a try!