BANBURY displayed their title credentials with a dominant 47-17 opening-day win over Witney.

Dan Brady (2), Matt Goode (2), Ian Isham, Tommy Gray and Ed Phillips, who converted six of his side’s seven tries, crossed as Bulls eased to victory at Hailey Road.

However, Witney were quicker out of the blocks in the South West 1 East clash and Alex Foggett raced over in the sixth minute.

The try kicked Banbury into gear, though, and Brady’s individual effort levelled the scores almost immediately.

Bulls then dominated the rest of the half to lead 28-5 at the break.

Oxford Mail:

  • Winger Alex Foggett (11) celebrates his sixth-minute try for Witney Picture: Ric Mellis

Isham grounded following a driving maul, before Goode dotted down and Brady won a foot race to dive over.

Gray’s try extended the visitors’ lead to 35-5 shortly after the restart.

Banbury’s Sam Stoop was soon sin-binned for holding on and Witney took advantage of the extra man when Rob Coe powered over.

  • Highlights courtesy of Banbury RUFC

But Bulls always looked dangerous and Goode’s second try re-established their 30-point lead on 64 minutes.

Witney once again capitalised on a Banbury player being in the sin-bin when Jack Birks crossed, Luke Manning converting, after Dan Kirwin saw yellow for a high tackle.

There was still time for Bulls to score again, through Phillips.

Oxford Mail:

  • Full back Tommy Gray dots down to extend Banbury's lead at the start of the second half Picture: Ric Mellis

Oxford Harlequins lost 45-8 at Royal Wootton Bassett.

Rory Garrett’s penalty put the visitors in front on 17 minutes.

But Quins, who lost Callum Cashman to injury, trailed 17-3 at the break after tries from Neil Smith, Hamish Forbes-Keith and Tim Gillimore, Tom Fieldsend converting the latter.

A penalty try extended Bassett’s lead, before Quins prop Ollie Barlow also went off injured, leading to uncontested scrums.

Converted tries from Elye Darragh, Fieldsend and Phil Bardwell made it 45-3.

Toni Turetta then went over for a consolation score late on.