RUGBY UNION: Brand's late salvo seals it (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Brand's late salvo seals it

10:30am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in Rugby

Midlands 2 West South

BANBURY Bulls left it very late to defeat Shipston-on-Stour 15-13 at Bodicote Park.

Bulls trailed 13-8 deep into injury time when concerted pressure saw No 8 Simon Brand force his way over close to the posts.

Captain Eddie Phillips converted to secure the win and haul Banbury out of the relegation zone.

Banbury had only themselves to blame for leaving the result in doubt up to the final whistle as they dominated possession and territory.

The hosts had only a Phillips penalty to show for their first-half efforts in reply to a breakaway try from Shipston centre, Tom Corby, who powered through flimsy tackling to score in the corner.

In the second half, Bulls’ backs found some fluency to create space for wing Carl Daniels, who held off the cover defence for a fine try Wing Josh Byrd replied with a try for Shipston, while Toby Jones added a penalty.

But Banbury snatched the spoils via Brand’s late salvo.