Winslow 0 Pts v Phoenix 31 Pts

Phoenix put out a much changed squad from last weekend’s preseason victory over Uxbridge RFC, with many players unavailable due to the Premiership Double Header at Twickenham. Even so, a strong squad was assembled and made the journey by coach to Winslow.

Even though Winslow is a lower league club, it was clear from the kick off that it was not going to just lay back and let Phoenix have its way. Much of the early exchanges were very tight to the forwards as would be imagined at this early juncture in the season, and neither team really managed to completely impose themselves on the match. At 15 minutes, Phoenix managed to drive forward into the Winslow 22, and some good interplay in the backs saw James Richardson crossing for the first try of the day. The try was unconverted, Phoenix lead 5-0. A further period of pressure from Phoenix didn’t see any reward on the scoreboard, as the play continued very tight to both forward packs, until a deftly run backs move on 25 minutes saw Bradley Coomber put James Richardson through on a 3 on 2, Richardson finishing to the left of the posts for his second try of the match. James Dean converted to give Phoenix a 12-0 lead. After some further pressure from the forwards, the backs ran some moves wide, and Bradley Coomber jinked his way under the posts, the try converted by Kieran Roche. Phoenix lead 19-0, a lead which they took into half time.

The second half saw much of the same as the first, with Phoenix continuing to exert pressure on Winslow. However much of the attacking was still in tight with the forwards, even though many yards were gained whenever attacks were made through the centres, whether through the backs or by ball-carrying forwards. With Winslow proving very solid in tight, it wasn’t until the 55th minute that Mike Lloyd, on as a substitute on the right wing, finished off a driving Phoenix backs’ attack out wide. Kieran Roche missed the conversion (Phoenix 24-0). The rest of the match saw Phoenix begin to run out of a bit of steam and the team collectively showed its defensive strengths as they repelled every Winslow attack. Of particular note was Alex Jones’s try-saving tackle and turnover of the ball when it looked that Winslow was sure to score its first try. As the game entered its last 5 minutes, Bradley Coomber scored another jinking try that saw two or three of the defenders fall on their backs in bemusement as they grasped at thin air. Keiran Roche added the extras from the try scored under the posts.

Ultimately the match, and the scoreline, was comfortable enough with Phoenix running out 31-0 winners. Kieran Roche was named Man of the Match for his strong game management. However, the scoreline could have, and possibly should have, been more in Phoenix’s favour if attacking play from both the forwards and backs had been that little bit wider. However the positives to take out of the match far outweighed the negatives, and Phoenix can approach the league season with a level of confidence from two solid early season winning performances.

Phoenix host Gosford All Blacks on Saturday, 13th September (3pm kick off), for the opening match of its 2014/2015 Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier League campaign. All spectators are welcome at our Institute Road ground.

Phoenix: S Flynn, Hilling, Dibb, Jones, Williams, Botes, Tony Porter, Tom Porter (Capt); Dean, Roche, Bouakra, Richardson, Coomber, Glewis, Kilby

Subs: Ablott, Lloyd, Wincomb, D Symonds