MIDLANDS 2 WEST SOUTH

ED Phillips scored 25 points to lead Banbury Bulls to a 30-25 victory over Newbold-on-Avon at Bodicote Park.

Captain Phillips went over for the match-winning try as well as kicking six penalties and a conversion.

Newbold were unbeaten going into the match, but Bulls quickly made use of the wind to land two penalties via Phillips.

However, Banbury turned over possession as they tried to run out of defence and Newbold wing Sean Pollard scored in the corner.

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Fly half Joss Andrews’s penalty put the visitors 8-6 up.

But Banbury hit back, with Phillips slotting a three-pointer and converting a try from wing Alex Gandy after good work from Nick Pratt and Dan Tooth.

Phillips’s fourth penalty made it 19-8, but a penalty try after a scrum collapse, converted by Andrews, gave Newbold real hope.

After the break, Phillips and Andrews traded penalties then Newbold prop Mitch Wells crossed for a try, converted by Andrews.

Phillips’s sixth penalty, after Newbold flanker Danny Treharne was sin-binned, levelled the match at 25-25.

Bulls made their extra man count, with a break from Lionel Byrne and No 8 Simon Brand’s scrum pick up sending Phillips over for the winner.

Phillips had to go off with a rib injury, but his side held on.

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