Banbury centre Matt Goode looks to make up ground during his side's 18-15 defeat to Witney. Picture: Steve Wheeler
BANBURY fell to an 18-15 defeat to local rivals Witney in their first game back in the sixth tier.
The north Oxfordshire side put in a promising performance at a rain-soaked Hailey Road as their county counterparts took the spoils in South West 1 East.
Witney led 18-3 at the break, thanks to tries from Callum Godfrey and Jake Thomas, as well as eight points from the boot of Henry Lamb.
Alex Stevenson kicked a penalty for Bulls.
The visitors ramped up the pressure in the second half, with Josh Deegan and Matt Goode crossing for unconverted tries.
Banbury were camped inside Witney’s 22 for the rest of the match, but the hosts held strong to claim victory.
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