BANBURY player-coach Simon Purnell has backed his players to shrug off their triple promotion setback and challenge in 2006/07.

Saturday's play-off defeat at Ilkeston was the third time Bulls have missed out on going up this season the first two were single-point losses in the league.

But Purnell said: "The guys were very disappointed but we couldn't have asked any more of them.

"I have no doubt that we will challenge strongly again next season.

"The positives far outweigh any negatives and we will learn the lessons to develop our brand of rugby even further."