Banbury captain Sean Bannister is unlikely to play again in 2010 after breaking a leg at Whitchurch.

The Oxfordshire flanker broke the tibia in his right leg during Saturday’s Midlands 1 West clash and will now be in plaster for eight weeks.

Bannister said: “I was offered an operation, but the specialist said I didn’t need it because it was a clean break.

“I doubt I will be playing before Christmas, which is a bit of a bummer.

“The doctor said it is a good break. It could have shattered my shin.

“I said ‘oh great, a good break’.”

Bannister has been an inspirational figure for Banbury in recent seasons and scored 17 tries as they won the Midlands 2 East South last year.

They will certainly miss his leadership and drive, but Bannister feared he could be out for longer.

Bannister said: “The sound it made made me think it was really bad and the pain was excruciating.

“It was also the furthest away game and I had driven there.

“I had to go to Shrewsbury Hospital an hour away and one of the lads had to drive my car home.”

Bannister has been signed off work for six weeks, but hopes to be watching his teammates as soon as he is able.

“I can’t even get out of bed very easily,” he said.

“I did have a full-length cast on, but now I have one up to the knee.

“They said to me don’t go walkabouts for a week or so.

“I guess it is one way of getting out of fitness training!”

Banbury head coach Grant Holmes said: “Losing Sean early in the game was a real blow.

“He is and always has been one of the best players on the pitch and his leadership skills will be sorely missed.

“We hope that his road to recovery will be a speedy one and I am sure I speak for everyone at the club when I say we wish him well.”