ALEX Stevenson’s late penalty earned league leaders Banbury Bulls a 21-19 win over Earlsdon in Midlands 2 West South.

The victory in Coventry helped Bulls open up a three-point lead over Berkswell & Balsall and Spartans.

An Ed Phillips penalty gave Banbury a 3-0 lead, before Josh Deegan crashed over for an unconverted try to make it 8-0.

But two scores, one converted, saw the hosts go ahead 12-8.

The visitors responded with Matt Goode going over and Sam Stoop converting, but Earlsdon came back with a converted try of their own to make it 19-15 and set up a tense finish.

Stevenson then slotted a penalty to move Banbury within a point.

And with the clock running down, Stevenson was on hand to land another three-pointer and help Bulls to their sixth victory of the season.