Phoenix vs Uxbridge

Phoenix 34-26 Uxbridge
The opening game of the 2014 season saw Phoenix entertaining the Middlesex division two side Uxbridge.

A well organised and composed Phoenix side allowed them to quickly open the score line, going up three tries to nil, all scored by the outside centre, Chris Varey (17-0).

This cohesive momentum which had clearly been on the home team’s side started to however become slightly disjointed entering into the second quarter, allowing the away side to gain a strong momentary territorial advantage. A string of good phases allowed Uxbridge to claw themselves back into the game, scoring two successful tries and conversions in quick succession (17-14).

The opening exchanges of the third quarter were fairly even and contested, with strong level of defences from both sides. Good cover tackling however from Tony Porter, Edd Dibb and Paul Hilling restrained the ever confident Uxbridge side, resulting in both teams entering the fourth quarter with no increase in the overall score line.

Both sides performance during the fourth and final quarter was excellent, however the first quarter advantage meant it was too little too late for the away side with Tony Porter, Bradley Coomber and newcomer Alex Castle-Mason score further tries to carry the Phoenix side to an opening game victory (34-26).

This opening winning result,will see the Phoenix side entering the upcoming cup game at Winslow next weekend on a high, where hopefully their opening game power, pace and tactical astuteness will carry them to a second successive victory of the 2014 season.

A special well done to all the new players who done fantastic on Saturday Harry Bampton, Oliver Brickell, Mark Williams, Alex. Also special thanks to Jamie Buckland who provided pitch support with First Aid.

Well done All !!!

Phoenix: Tom Porter (Capt), Hilling, Vaughan, Ablott, R Golder, S Flynn, Tony Porter, Maundrill; Bouakra, Roche, Barton, Winters, Varey, Aldridgge, Coomber

Subs: Castle-Mason, Brench, Glewis, Kilby, Buckland, Bampton, Brickell, Williams