MIDLANDS 2 WEST SOUTH

BANBURY Bulls bagged a 31-10 victory at basement boys Bedworth, despite having James Heywood sent off.

Centre Heywood was red-carded for a strong tackle on his opposite number, which the referee deemed dangerous.

With a little more accuracy the Bulls would have added to their four tries.

But in mitigation the very wet underfoot conditions did make open rugby difficult.

The forwards, with Nick Pratt returning from injury in the second row, and Chris Phillips in rampant form at No 8, held the upper hand and they will be looking to build on this performance for sterner tasks ahead.

Banbury opened the scoring after ten minutes, when fly half Alex Fogavini received the ball near halfway and brushed off several tackles to score a fine individual try, which he converted.

The lead was extended when crisp handling by the backs put wing Lawrence Jackson in for a try, which Fogavini again converted.

Fogavini and Bedworth’s kicker exchanged penalties before the game became increasingly fractious.

Heywood and the Bedworth hooker were shown red cards to leave both sides a man short.

With half time approaching, more good handling and passing created a try for Banbury wing Chris Davies. Fogavini converted for a 24-3 lead.

Whilst dominating possession and territory for much of the second half, Banbury, despite going close on several occasions, could only add a sharply taken try from skipper Eddie Phillips.

Fogavini converted this bonus-point score before Bedworth closed the gap with a converted try from close range after Banbury made a hash of clearing their lines.