White hits hat-trick for the holders

The holders were the dominant team from the outset, enjoying long spells of possession moving the ball fluidly across the pitch.

But some fine saves from the Halesonians keeper kept the home side’s attackers at bay and the teams on level terms.

Halesonians settled into the game and threatened to break the deadlock after launching a number of fast counter-attacks from deep within their own half.

White picked the ball up on a tight angle and beat the keeper with a powerful drag-flick. White doubled the lead before halftime, striking the ball firmly into the bottom corner after eliminating two defenders.

Banbury quickly increased their lead when Lara Wilkinson smartly deflected in a Hayley Nunneley cross at the near post. Halesonians enjoyed their best spell, pining Banbury back into their own half and winning several short corners.

But the Banbury defence remained resolute and they added two more goals. Charlie Matthews reacted first to a Tyson Nunneley shot that rebound back from the keeper’s pads before White completed his hat-trick, firing the ball into the top corner on his reverse stick.