Sat 7 Mar 2026
Bridgnorth RFC were delighted to welcome Banbury RFC to the EDG, extending hospitality to their committee for a pre-match lunch. This occasion also offered an opportunity to renew the friendly relations established during the November fixture, which was narrowly secured by Bridgnorth.
The pitch had recovered well from the recent rain, providing a suitable surface for another closely contested match.
From the outset, Bridgnorth dominated possession and territory. However, a series of errors and early penalty decisions prevented them from making progress towards the try line. It was not until more than ten minutes into the game that Banbury managed to secure decent possession. Their full back played a significant role, helping carry the ball upfield. Banbury won a line-out and effectively used their rolling maul to score the opening try.
Banbury continued to assert themselves, adding a penalty and a converted try to their tally, and moved into a commanding 15–0 lead as half-time approached. In the final minutes of the half, Bridgnorth found some rhythm, stringing together phases and utilising their swift back three players to greater effect. Errors diminished and accuracy improved, resulting in a try scored in the left corner by winger Dan Brough, bringing the score to 5–15.
There remained time for Bridgnorth to make changes from the bench, with Ed Taylor returning to action after a lengthy absence. His comeback was short-lived, however, as he received a yellow card for a technical offence almost immediately.
Banbury capitalised on their numerical advantage, rolling another maul across the line and, with the conversion, entered the changing rooms at half-time with a 22–5 lead.
Bridgnorth started the second half with renewed energy, maintaining momentum for nearly half an hour. The young front row seemed to be everywhere, and Banbury began to concede a succession of technical infringements. This allowed Bridgnorth to score four unanswered tries.
Malachai Stuffings was the first to cross the line after an attacking line-out and rolling maul, with Elliot Murphy adding the conversion. A display of fifteen-man rugby followed, resulting in three tries from the back three. Dan Brough, despite nursing a muscle strain that led to his substitution, outpaced the defence and scored a spectacular try in front of the clubhouse crowd. The referee confirmed the score with the touch judge, though the conversion was missed.
Minutes later, Jack Cole followed suit, scoring under the posts and entertaining the crowd with a dive. The successful conversion put Bridgnorth ahead, 24–22. Not to be outdone, James Barham finished another flowing move by barging over the line, though this try went unconverted.
With ten minutes remaining, Bridgnorth lost some momentum as Banbury refocused their efforts, seeking crucial points. Errors crept back in for the home side, and a series of penalties allowed Banbury to advance up the pitch. Banbury scored a converted try to level the scores.
Continuing to press, Banbury benefitted from further penalties, eventually kicking a decisive penalty to secure victory by three points.
Bridgnorth's hopes for a fourth consecutive win were dashed, although the two bonus points earned will be helpful in ensuring league safety. With three matches remaining, the team faces two challenging away local derbies before hosting Nuneaton at the EDG at the end of March.
