BANBURY’S eight-game unbeaten run came to an end in a 31-7 defeat at third-placed Newbury Blues.

The north Oxfordshire side’s fine form had seen them climb to fourth in South West 1 East, but the Berkshire outfit proved too strong.

However, Bulls remain in the top four after a number of postponements.

They started the game strongly, but Ed Phillips’s early penalty attempt struck an upright.

Banbury maintained the pressure, though, and Freddie Cracknell crossed.

Phillips added the extras.

Banbury continued to attack, but the hosts scored an interception try to level.

The visitors did have a chance to retake the lead, only for Phillips to miss his penalty attempt.

Banbury struggled after the break, while Newbury upped the pressure and added four tries to their tally.

The derby between Grove and Witney was called off due to a frozen pitch.

Oxford Harlequins’s home game against Royal Wootton Bassett also fell foul of the weather.