Banbury Bulls 5, Truro 31

Banbury Bulls' interest in the RFU Senior Cup ended abruptly on Saturday as they crashed to Cornish side Truro at Bodicote Park in the preliminary round.

In truth, it could have been worse for the home side, with only some poor handling denying Truro even more points against a home side badly weakened by injuries and absentees.

Injured: Graeme CartmellThe absence of Richard Hughes, Henk Hattingh and Lee Perkins badly hit the balance of the scrum, as Truro's eight proved far too strong.

It was the same in the backs with winger Stuart Viggers forced to play at centre, with winger Graeme Cartmell at full back.

This was Banbury's first game of the season, while the South West Two side shook off their cobwebs by playing local rivals Penzance the previous week.

A missed penalty from Ben Harrison after a couple of minutes galvanised the Cornish side who should have been ahead on nine minutes after a mistake by Simon Purnell.

However, it was not long before the visitors took the lead with a fine try from the impressive Simon Coombes, who went over after an excellent run. Mark Richards kicked the conversion.

Truro were in contol and only a brilliant tackle from Harrison prevented them from adding to their tally.

Bulls were dealt a further blow when Cartmell went off with a nasty leg injury. He was replaced by England under 18 international Matt Goode, who was making his debut.

The visitors threw away an opportunity to score another try when they dropped the ball near the line.

But it was only a matter of time before they did register some more points, with No 8 Cullum Osbourne crashing over on 33 minutes following some good work in the Truro pack. Richards's conversion made it 12-0, though he missed a penalty as the half ended.

If the home supporters were looking for a positive response from Will Brooks's side they were to be disappointed as they were treated to more of the same with Truro pressing home their advantage. They were helped by some elementary mistakes from Banbury.

Harrison missed the chance to reduce the arrears when his penalty sailed wide before Truro made it 17-0 through Ben Salt, before Coombes scored his second try in a one-sided contest.

The only bright spot for Banbury came on 64 minutes when a brilliant piece of skill saw Harrison chip the ball over the Truro back line before outpacing the defence and scoring a fine opportunist try to leave them trailing 24-5.

After the respite, Truro's onslaught continued, though Viggers was unlucky when his penalty struck a post before rebounding to safety.

David Sibson added another try which Richards converted to complete a satisfactory 31-5 win for Truro.

Banbury's player-coach Martin Hobley will have plenty to think about before their league opener away at Barkers Butts on September 8.

**Banbury: Cartmell (Goode 25), Edwards, Viggers, Purnell (Fellows 62), Cartwright, Harrison, Hurst, Hobley, Brown, Lawrence, Prantetus, Chatterton, Cummings, Brooks, Cockerton.