BANBURY 0, LUTON 50: When Banbury were relegated at the end of last season, there were confident predictions that they should thrive in the new surroundings of Midland Divison 1 East.

Following their second half-century battering in two weeks on Saturday, they now know they face a tough test to avoid another season battling against the drop.

The consolation for Will Brooks's side is that they have just played probably the best two teams in the division, and that in neither game did their heads drop.

Considering that Luton had the previous week put 81 points on Wellingborough, who had already beaten the Bulls this season, this was not a bad display from a club who lost three of their strongest players in the close season.

On a bone-hard Bodicote Park pitch, Luton had the strength up front and pace behind the scrum to keep Banbury on the back foot.

By half-time, they were 21-0 ahead. No 8 Andy Davey made Luton's first two tries, with breaks close to their line being finished off by scrum half Huw Thomas and flanker Pat Hayes.

Davey scored the third himself following a line-out, breaking through Brooks's tackle and stretching out a long arm to touch down. All three tries were converted by full back Ian Campbell.

Banbury played well in patches, with prop Eddie Cummings and centre Graham Cartmell producing effective displays, but they were unable to maintain the momentum for more than a few minutes.

Some more fitness training might help.

In the second half, the powerful former Bedford centre Chris Bajak, who scored seven tries the previous week, helped himself to a hat-trick, while further tries came from flanker Terry Penney and Ian Campbell, who added two more conversions.

Despite this week's purchase of Bodicote Park by developer Russell Harrison, Banbury are still uncertain of their future off the field. Let's hope that these worries won't also apply to their on-the-field activities.

Banbury: Ferguson, Hamshere, Cartmell, Noyce, Taylor, Flemming, Purnell (Fellows 75), Stilwell, Johns, Cummings, Matt McNally, Buckingham, Jeyes, Herlihy (Bannister 52), Brooks.