BANBURY Bulls recovered from a slow start to defeat Lutterworth 31-6 at Bodicote Park.

And with nearest challengers Northampton Old Scouts having their game postponed, Banbury now lead the table by five points.

The visitors started strongly, but Bulls began to gain an edge in the lineout.

Veteran flanker Will Brooks, returning after two months out with an ankle injury, combined with lock Matt McNally to set up skipper Ed Cummings's opening try on 25 minutes.

When Banbury prop Andy Gilbert was yellow-carded for tackling in the lineout, Lutterworth kicked the first of two penalties for a 6-5 half-time lead.

With Gilbert still in the sin-bin, flanker Sean Bannister crashed through from 30 metres out after typically abrasive approach play from centre James Taylor and fly half Tony Hurst converted.

Centre Andy Collett set up a textbook try for the supporting Pete Flemming.

Hurst converted then added seven points of his own after intercepting the ball 40 metres out to run in his first league try of the season.

On 70 minutes, left wing Adam Walsh battered his way over in the corner to make it 31-6.

Banbury finished with 12 men after lock Richard Jeyes was sent-off for punching, hooker Nick Clark was sin-binned and Andy Collett had his nose broken with no replacements left.