With the expectation of a strong game being provided by NOS, the spring-like conditions seemed to leave Banbury cold. A lackadaisical warm up gave the best indication of how the morning would start - it offered to be a day of learning opportunities (for the players and coaches alike!). In contrast, the hosts immediately started with a well structured approach to play; a competitive forward pack setting a platform for their useful backline.

With space left outside for two tries and little mortar evident in the Banbury defensive wall for the others, the first 13 minutes saw a flurry of tries as the period finished 25-0. One pleasing element occurring between tries 2 and 3 - an on-field, player led huddle to focus and display team spirit and not to blame each other; delighted as a coach to see a leadership group developing.

Direct focus and questioning ahead of Q2 saw a more focused Banbury team take to the field and a real game commenced. Despite all of the 'individual and collective learning opportunities', the remainder of the game was an evenly balanced contest that Banbury should have reflected more in the final scoreline. With the Alex getting the pack working, Banbury started to built possession and territory. A kick through allowed Callum to chase and collect in the 22 and get Banbury on the scoreboard.

After Banbury scored, the game became an arm wrestle, with possession and territory swinging between the teams. For Banbury, open play provided some strong attacking runs and a willingness to run the ball rather than kick (even under significant pressure) is a pleasing development. Whilst the loose was good, contact and (lack of) breakdown work continually led to turnover ball - a significant backwards step from recent performances. With a number of passes not quite coming off, NOS were presented with opportunities to claim territory.

Despite scoring another four tries, NOS were forced to work hard by an increase in commitment from the Banbury players and an increasing determination as the game continued. The second pleasing development, across Q3 and Q4, saw the Banbury players start to stand up for each other - nothing nasty (that would not be condoned) but a willingness to look after each other.

With the backs generally making for the double the tackles of most forwards (and your outside half making the most), it will always be difficult against such good opposition. A number of previous focus areas were clearly evident again, so provide takeaways to work on in training.

With NOS losing 4 players to injury during the morning, George being rested for the remainder of the morning after a head knock (completing a great double tackle on the wing) and Darragh and Theo both getting fingers strapped after the game, the intensity of the game from Q2 to Q4 was audible at times.

So a really disappointing backwards step in performance but three really pleasing developments within the fabric of the team - self-organisation, resilience and looking after each other. We will happily take those points from the fixture.

Man of the Match: Will (special praise for his turnovers at the breakdown)