Phoenix 23 pts - Uxbridge 12 pts

In the Club’s 50th Anniversary Season, Phoenix got off to a winning start with their annual friendly against Uxbribge RFC. The significant crowd of Phoenix supporters responded excellently to their team’s efforts.

Phoenix were quickly into their stride with Lar Turner returning from injury making his presence felt from the kick-off with a devastating tackle on the Uxbridge second row from which Phoenix gained possession and were immediately on the front foot. The link with the Phoenix fly-half was crisp and clean as Turner found him with ease. But it was not all Phoenix. In spite of controlling the ball for the best part of 10 minutes, Phoenix made a couple of errors and found themselves deep in defence as Uxbridge slotted their line kicks.

Indeed it was Uxbridge that had the first chance to score with a regulation penalty goal attempt but unfortunately put it wide. Phoenix responded with their own attempt at goal and Jason Townsend did not disappoint to take his side into an early lead. Lar Turner added the first of his tries for the home side to extend their lead a few minutes later dummying his way through at close quarters. The Phoenix pack were in shape in most situations and controlled the ball, which combined with the length of Lar Turner’s pass enabled the Phoenix three-quarters to penetrate the Uxbridge defence.

A defensive error by Phoenix let Uxbridge in for their opening score and they frightened the home side with a penalty a few minutes later to take the lead.

Lar Turner continued to cause great difficulties for the Uxbridge defence and it was not long before he crossed to retake the lead for Phoenix. For Phoenix, Alex Jones was strong at second row and Dave McMillan provided stability in the Phoenix three-quarter line, whilst Jason Townsend at full-back was able to show his pace and create several opportunities for his team to capitalise on. Tom Pell on the wing for Phoenix acquitted himself well and made several penetrating breaks. Back in the pack for Phoenix, Edd Dibb drove strongly and hooker Robin Gill struck his lineout ball well.

Another try from Turner secured a Phoenix victory with a penalty goal taking them to 23 points whilst Uxbridge were held to 12 points with a crashing cover tackle from second row Matt Symmonds as Phoenix opened their season with an emphatic victory.

Coaches Jefferies, Symmonds and Dibb were pleased with the performance of their charges in the first outing of the season and look forward to the opening league match against Harwell at Institute Road on Saturday 8th September kick-off 3.00pm.