Second spot suits Goode just fine at midway point

Banbury Bulls trail leaders Old Centralians by two points going into the mid-winter break and Goode is satisfied with his side’s first term report.

Goode said: “I’d have certainly settled for second place at the end of the year, especially with such a young squad this time. We’ll have a training session during the break to make sure we keep up to our levels of fitness.”

Club captain Ian Isham should get the all-clear early in the New Year to resume training and Matt Powell, who suffered a leg fracture early in the campaign, may also soon be ready to return.

Looking back on Saturday’s 30-25 success at Buckingham, Goode said: “I think the final score line slightly flattered Buckingham, especially with their last score coming in added-time. But we knew Buckingham were always going to be stronger at home, especially in a derby fixture.

“Both sides were keen to get the game on even though the pitch wasn’t in a great condition because of all the recent rain. But we’ve finished the year on a high note and the players need a good rest before we get back into action.”