MIDLANDS 2 WEST SOUTH

BANBURY Bulls are firmly established in the promotion race after a 37-27 win at second-placed Kidderminster Carolians.

Bulls stay fourth in the table, but just three points now separate the top five teams.

Banbury had to battle back from a 12-0 deficit early on.

Lock Alex Baldwin crashed over for Kidderminster’s opening try, while wing Laurence Hughes intercepted a pass from Banbury forward Chris Phillips to run in No 2.

Fly half George Morgan converted the latter.

Ernie Ell broke through for Banbury’s opening try, with fellow centre James Heywood adding a powerful second.

Scrum half Eddie Phillips bagged No 3 from a quick tap, while Morgan’s penalty made it 15-15 at the break.

Fly half Alex Fogavini maintained Banbury’s momentum with a forurth try from a 40-metre break, converting the effort himself.

Fogavini’s grubber kick set up a second try for Heywood.

The game changed again after Bulls flanker Sam Mills was sin-binned.

Baldwin bagged his brace, then scrum half Chris Pinner darted over for Morgan to convert, making it 27-27.

Bulls, however, finished the stronger, with full back Carl Daniels scoring a try converted by Fogavini, who also added a penalty.