Midlands 2 West South

BANBURY Bulls opened up with a 31-10 victory over Upton-on-Severn, but felt there was plenty of room for improvement.

Centre James Heywood scored Banbury’s opening try after a strong run, full back Mike Smith converting.

Poor discipline enabled Upton to kick a penalty and they led 10-7 after their lock sprinted 90 metres to the line for an easy conversion.

Bulls didn’t panic and simple passing saw hooker Liam Stratford ran in try No 2 on 20 minutes.

A neat catch-and-drive effort saw No 8 Simon Brand on the scoresheet, Smith converting.

Banbury continued to press in the second half, scoring again when wing Andy Mawle forced his way over.

Bulls made the game safe when wing Jed Boyle set up skipper Eddie Phillips, who converted the try himself.