Goode delighted with display after Bulls win derby clash

Head coach Matt Goode was a proud man following Saturday’s derby success at Oxford Harlequins.
Ken Key looks to get his pass away for Banbury Bulls at Oxford Harlequins. Photo: Simon GrieveKen Key looks to get his pass away for Banbury Bulls at Oxford Harlequins. Photo: Simon Grieve
Ken Key looks to get his pass away for Banbury Bulls at Oxford Harlequins. Photo: Simon Grieve

Despite an increasing injury list and some players having to play out of position, Bulls ground out a single point victory at their rivals in Saturday’s Wadworth 6S South West One East fixture.

Goode said: “Obviously, we just snuck it, there wasn’t much to it at all. I thought both teams played some incredible rugby in some really harsh conditions. If we’d lost by a point, I’d still have been immensely proud of the boys.”

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Goode was also full of praise for the three players stepping up from the seconds to make their debut in the derby – Charlie Mallock, Lewis Wheeler and Sam Wheeler – who all made a big contribution.

Goode said: All three of the new lads have been performing for the twos but before Saturday just haven’t had that chance. We’ve had a lot of concussions, knee injuries and general injuries but the boys who came in were outstanding.

“I challenged them to make the shirt theirs and some have certainly done that. They’re all so young I can’t wait to see what they do in the next couple months and years to come.”

Jacko Briggs led by example and was at the heart of all Banbury’s best work in the game, despite starting at flanker instead of his usual inside centre position.

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Good added: “Jack Briggs’ style of rugby suits both positions, he’s a talented boy. He really got the young lads up for the game and kept everyone going throughout the 80 minutes as well.

“He was outstanding, he was up and in people’s faces all game. His sleight of hand set up Dan Brady’s try as well. It’s easy to forget how young he is and he’s still improving, but he was the best player on that pitch.”