Old Leamingtonians 10 Banbury 5: OLs grind out impressive victory over leaders

Two unconverted tries to one was the end result in what was considered to be one of the best games seen at The Crofts this season.
Committed OLs defending prevents Joe Mills getting in at the corner for Banbury. Pictures: Morris Troughton MHLC-22-03-14 OLs Banbury Mar22Committed OLs defending prevents Joe Mills getting in at the corner for Banbury. Pictures: Morris Troughton MHLC-22-03-14 OLs Banbury Mar22
Committed OLs defending prevents Joe Mills getting in at the corner for Banbury. Pictures: Morris Troughton MHLC-22-03-14 OLs Banbury Mar22

Banbury, riding high at the top of the league and on the back of an unbeaten run of nine games, made a confident start, putting pressure on the home side with a number of forward drives and quick, open rugby.

All efforts met with resolute defence in the first quarter with Old Leamingtonians rarely getting out of their own half.

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When OLs did mount attacks, the strong Banbury side were equal to them and the game progressed with neither side giving any quarter.

The only attempt on goal in the first half was a long-range penalty attempt by Old Leamingtonians which flew wide and the half-time interval was reached with the no score on the board.

The second half followed much the same pattern with Banbury applying pressure for the first 15 minutes of the half and home side responding with strong defence and excellent breakout moves to ease the pressure.

The visitors’ probing eventually told as the OLs defence was breached by a swift three-quarters move which saw the ball threaded through the defensive line for the speedy Banbury winger to outpace the retreating defence and touch down wide out.

The try went unconverted.

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Stung by the concession, OLs upped their game as their forwards began to take more control against the strong Banbury pack.

This allowed Old Leamingtonians to spend more game-time in the Banbury half, with good work from the home three-quarters taking play into the visitors’ 22.

The forwards then took control and after a number of drives, second-row Luke Cobb picked up and touched down to level the scores.

While Banbury continued to create chances, OLs forwards were enjoying a greater influence on the game and laying a solid platform for their so far underemployed backs.

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From one turnover ball, OLs quickly spread play along the line and a smart interchange of passes wide out on the right allowed outside-centre Lindsey Bishop to work a one-two and cross for a second try, again unconverted.

The last few minutes of the game saw Banbury dominant and camped in OLs’ 22.

However, despite two penalties being awarded in front of the posts, the need for a try saw tap-penalties taken and then rebuffed by strong, committed home defence to end the afternoon’s entertainment.