Midlands 1 West
Banbury Bulls had to be content with a 26-26 draw at home to Stratford-upon-Avon after leading 26-3.
Flanker Will Oldham, who later suffered a broken arm, created the opening try for full back Peter Flemming, fly half Mike Smith converting.
Flemming then turned provider as wing Andrew Mawle ran in try No 2, Smith converting.
A quick penalty from captain Eddie Phillips saw Oldham drive over for Smith to convert.
Stratford fly half Jake White replied with a penalty, but Bulls led 26-3 after Phillips won the race to touch down Darren De Bruyn’s grubber kick.
Banbury No 8 Simon Brand was yellow-carded, White slotting the penalty and then converting a try from No. 8 Jason Applin.
After the break, the visitors’ blindside flanker was red-carded for punching, but this seemed to galvanise his side.
White landed a penalty and converted a try from centre Rich Pepperell to make it 26-23. Full back Simon Brain levelled with a long-range penalty.
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