BANBURY’S winning start to the season came to an end in a 14-11 defeat at home to Berkswell & Balsall in Midlands 2 West (South).

After a scoreless opening 40 minutes, the visitors stole victory from Bulls’ grasp with a try in the last play.

Josh Deegan’s unconverted try put Banbury ahead after an initial 30-yard break from debutant Sam Stoop.

The hosts went onto make it 11-0, thanks to two penalties from captain Ed Phillips.

Banbury’s Sean Banister was yellow-carded and the Berkswell pack pushed the hosts’ seven men over the line for a try.

The conversion was added, reducing Bulls’s advantage to four points.

And the hosts were undone in the last play as Scott Eburne used his pace to outsprint the Bulls defence and go over in the corner.

The extras were then added from out wide.

In Southern Counties North, Wallingford ended Reading Abbey’s unbeaten start with a 19-17 win at Hithercroft.

Gavin Harmer crashed over for the hosts and Phil Dawes kicked two penalties as Wallingford led 11-10.

Another Dawes penalty extended their lead, before Ian Jeffreys raced in from 30 yards to make it 19-10.

The visitors scored a late converted try, but could not deny Wallingford the victory. 

Meanwhile, Bicester suffered a 44-30 defeat at Beaconsfield.

Dan Spencer (2), Matt Dye and James Grosvenor crossed.

Tom Miles converted two tries and kicked two penalties.