OLD Laurentians remain level on points at the top of the Midlands 2 West (South) division thanks to a comfortable 22-3 victory at Banbury on Saturday.
The game had the potential to be a banana skin for OLs against third-placed Banbury who had turned their Bodicote Park home into something of a fortress having not lost a game their since November 2013.
But OL’s ended that impressive record with a comfortable win and four tries also ensured them of a vital bonus point.
The hosts had first use of the strong wind and took an early lead when full back Alex Caviezel scored a penalty
And although Banbury had the greater share of possession in the first hald they were comfortably held.
OL’s were forced to wait until the 34th minute to make a breakthrough. Andy Orbinson and Chris le Poidevin both made ground before Iain Wallis’s jinking run took him to the line where he was tackled but Reiss Boon was first up in support to go over for a try which was converted by Dan O’Brien for 7-3.
In the second half the visitors exerted increasing dominance up front, and on 60 minutes they scored again with James Orbinson making the touchdown.
Five minutes later Paul Willis claimed a Banbury throw with a fine leap at a lineout and the ball went through several phases before Andy Orbinson sent Ben Shepherd charging for the line to score.
Just three minutes on, Banbury were trying to work the ball out of their half but under heavy pressure they lost possession and Orbinson was able to gallop some 40 metres to score as OL’s claimed their 17th league win in succession.
Next up this Saturday is a home encounter with Droitwich.
