Midlands 1 West

Banbury Bulls ended their campaign with a sorry 44-8 home defeat to Walsall.

Relegated Bulls had hoped to give head coach Grant Holmes a good send-off in his final match, but they were outclassed after a promising opening quarter.

Walsall went ahead with two early penalties from Matt Wood.

But a fine break and off-load from centre Pete Papenfus saw No 8 Simon Brand score a try for Banbury.

Wood kicked a third penalty and converted a try from wing Jono Edwards, but fly half Mike Smith hit back with a penalty for the hosts.

Walsall took charge, with 28 unanswered points thanks to tries from full back Chris Mould (2), Wood and Poston, Wood converting all four.

Holmes said: “We showed that we are capable of playing some very good rugby, but we are not able to sustain this level throughout the game due to numerous players not having the level of fitness that is required.

“Each week we have seen a small number put absolutely everything into their game.

“But their performances are overshadowed by some of their teammates not being able to do the job that is asked of them.”