Risborough 11 Pts v Phoenix 26 Pts

Phoenix travelled to Risborough RFC with another strong forward unit, but including only 4 specialist backs in a much-altered team for another week running. This did not altogether affect the team’s strategy, with Phoenix using its forward superiority to put Risborough under pressure from the kick off. Within the first 15 minutes, Risborough gave up 2 kickable penalties, duly converted by Kieran Roche and the Taplow side eased into an early 6-0 lead. After another penalty won in the opposition half, captain Tom Porter opted to kick for the corner, and on the ensuing attacking drive, scrum half Dave Harris, making his season’s debut, scored an unconverted try in the corner to take Phoenix’s lead to 11-0. However, as Phoenix looked to be comfortable in its lead, full back James Richardson, Phoenix’s own Muscle Hamster, ran the ball back out of the Phoenix 22 and Risborough scored a breakthrough try as it forced a turnover and the Phoenix endzone was left unguarded by the Phoenix cover defence. Phoenix were then forced into a rejig of its backline as fly half Roche left the field due to the league's concussion protocol. However Phoenix were able to keep Risborough on the back foot and Lee Bogalski kicked a goal to take the score to 14-5.

The second half saw Risborough attempting a fightback and even though they managed to convert a penalty to take the score to 14-8, Paul Hilling scored a well worked try from a line out to re-establish a comfortable 21-9 lead to Phoenix. With the backline now radically altered, Phoenix pushed the play through its forwards, and although Risborough kicked another penalty, Phoenix were to score the decisive try through Lee Bogalski, running to the corner like the Honey Badger, to take the score to 26-11. Tom Porter appeared to score a try in the 72nd minute, but during this play, one of the Risborough players suffered a bad ankle dislocation and, after consultation with the captains, the game was stopped with Phoenix emerging the victors.

Phoenix ultimately could have won more comfortably were in not for the game to move to uncontested scrums in the second half, but it was a comfortable win. Phoenix can now look forward to a date with its local rivals Slough in the final of the competition at a date to be announced.

Phoenix continues its league campaign back this Saturday at 3pm on Vice Presidents’ day at Institute Road in Taplow against Wheatley. The 2nd XV also have a fixture against Tadley. All spectators are welcome for what looks to be a great day of festivities.

Phoenix: Tom Porter (Capt), Hilling, Dibb, Wincomb, D Symonds, Botes, Tony Porter, Brickley; Harris, Roche, Lloyd, Willis, Bogalski, Philpott, Richardson

Subs: Ablott, Glewis, Brench, Tilbury