BANBURY put in a battling display, but lost 28-20 to second-placed Newbury Blues at Bodicote Park in South West 1 East.

Despite conceding an early try, the Bulls led 10-7 at the break, thanks to Sam Stoop’s score.

Stand-in skipper Ed Phillips added the extras, before slotting a penalty.

Another three points from the boot of Phillips extended their advantage in the second half.

But Bulls failed to gather from the resulting kick-off and Blues made them pay, taking full advantage with a converted score.

Two more tries helped the visitors into a 28-13 lead, but they had two men sent to the sin-bin late on.

Banbury made them pay, with Cash Chilvers crossing and Phillips converting, but there was no time left to gain a bonus point.

Bulls bid to arrest a run of three defeats when they travel to third-placed Old Centralians on Saturday.