Although Banbury dominated for long periods, a combination of weak tackling and ill-directed kicking allowed Longton to seal a 30-21 victory.

Banbury started well, with Graeme Cartmell sending Alex Stramrood over for a try.

Longton soon responded with two tries from winger Phil Green, before further Banbury pressure resulted in two penalties from Ben Harrison.

However,the Longton backs looked dangerous every time they received the ball, and two further tries gave them a 20-11 half-time lead.

The third quarter was all Banbury as the forwards took control, with the back row trio of Eddie Cummings, Rob Cockerton and Will Brooks to the fore. Harrison landed a penalty and then converted a try by Bruce Riddell to put Banbury 21-20 ahead.

But Longton resisted great forward pressure to score two further tries, the last after Banbury prop Lee Perkins had left the pitch with a serious ankle injury.