Sat 6^th December 03
Banbury 3^rd XV 22 - Ampthill Extras 25   

Extras beat Banbury and bitter chill. 

Despite poor temperatures and a bitter wind, a good game of rugby was played out in front of Banbury’s huge but empty stand. 

The Extras went a try down early in the match playing against a strong wind. Ampthill’s forwards then took it upon themselves to keep the ball in hand on the offensive. The strategy paid off. With some excellent support a platform was laid for the Extras to play from. Leigh Clark twice crossed the line in the first half to give the Extras a two tries to one advantage. 

In the second half the home team adopted similar tactics. A try for Ampthill came from John Roberts before Banbury hit back with their own. John Kitchiner and Ian Browning both scored making the result look far out of reach of the home team. 

During the match there were injury blows for Gez Ingarfield who had his shoulder torn from it’s socket, well that was his initial diagnosis. And brave soldier Riggs who battled on for a while despite a poorly elbow. 

Banbury never gave up and struck back with a third try to make the score 25 – 17. With just a few minutes to go they scored their fourth. The conversion was missed and the referee blew his whistle for full time.

Tries:          Leigh Clark (2), John Kitchiner, John Roberts, Ian Browning

Cons: