PHOENIX FLYS AGAIN

Slough 24 Phoenix 32

Phoenix travelled the short distance to Slough with high hopes that they were in a good position to be able to win this game although they were slightly the underdogs as Slough play in the league above.

After good preparation for this game Phoenix were ready with Slough taking the early exchanges of the game were then awarded a penalty early on (3-0) but then with some slick handling and a very good run from new full back and vice-captain Austin Leavy allowed Phoenix to take the lead (3-5).

Realizing that the slough back line was defending very narrow Phoenix decided to play quick ball through there back line of their first Phase Ball which caught Slough out time and again this resulted in Phoenix second try and give them a (3-10) advantage with a try from the Phoenix right winger L Collins.

Phoenix where now playing some good phase rugby and yet another move from there outstanding back line allowed Austin to cross the whitewash. For second time and with the conversion good Phoenix were in the
driving seat(3-17).

Slough again came back at Phoenix with some good driving from there forwards, from one drive Slough were awarded a penalty which they kicked down the line for a lineout 5 meters from the Phoenix line, and with a catch and drive, a try was awarded. (10-17)

Slough were now back in the game, Slough pushed hard to get back on level terms before the end of the first half but an interception pass and some interplay with the Phoenix backs allowed them to score there third try through our left winger Nick Coventry. (10-22)

Phoenix carried the first half pressure into the second half with some good interplay between forwards and backs which resulted in the Phoenix second row being held up just short of the line. With 20 minutes gone in the second half and still no points being scored but Slough was pushing the Phoenix defence to the limit but the back line and back row of Jamie Willis ,Captain Tom Porter and James Quick tackled their hearts out pushing Slough back time and again.

Slough were the next to score again through there forwards reducing the score to just 5 points (17-22. Next on the scoreboard was again the Phoenix left winger Nick Coventry with the conversion missed took the score to (17-27.

Another decisive break form centre John Winters with the line begging saw him held up for what should have been another Phoenix try. Time was running out for the Slough team, Phoenix then scored their final try through the outstanding full back Austin Leavy (17-32).Slough did have the last word with a try but was too little too late.(24-32)

Phoenix Team

James Dixon Robin Gill Mickey Lloyd Alan Bird Anthony Alderton Jamie Willis Tom Porter (Capt) James Quick Dave Harris Kieran Roach John Winters Bradley Coomber Luke Collins Austin Leavy(ViceCapt)

Subs: Dan Symmonds Jason Townsend Alex Walsh Ian Watkinson Ollie Brickley

By Tony Golder