PHOENIX DRAWS CLOSER TO WINNING CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Phoenix travelled to Didcot for their rearranged fixture which had been cancelled back in February due to an unplayable pitch.

Phoenix having to make several changes from previous weeks went to Didcot in a confident mood for this top of the table clash.

Phoenix knew they had to be on top of their game if they were going to beat a very dogged Didcot side.Phoenix started the game brightly and prevented Didcot from getting into their stride and it was not long before the referee had awarded Phoenix a penalty which was duly converted by N Coltman (0-3).

Phoenix were soon back on the attack with winger N Coventry who was playing in a unaccustomed roll at inside centre making some strong runs and keeping Didcot firmly on the back foot . Phoenix was now beginning to dominate the game and was putting some good phase play together and with penalties coming frequently from the Didcot pack infringing. With the Phoenix pack in dominate mood it was not long before the referee awarded Phoenix another penalty, from 30 meters out N Coltman struck again (0-6)

From a lineout on the half way line, Phoenix won good ball which was quickly shipped out to the backs and with fullback A Leavy hitting the line at a pace saw him break through the Didcot defence and looked like a certain try but some good cover defence from the Didcot winger halted him 5 meters short and the chance had gone.

Again Phoenix went on the attack with some good driving play through the forwards with S Flynn and Tom porter making useful ground. From a drive and a quick rucked ball the ball went out to the backs and with the Didcot defence being held A Leavy again hit the line and accelerated into the gap to score wide out (0-11).

With Phoenix completely in the driving seat disaster struck with a miss communication in the Phoenix back line saw the Didcot centre intercept and an easy run in to the line (5-11).

Didcot were now back in the game and this seemed to spur them on and raise there game and started to put some phases together and test the Phoenix defence which had been strong throughout.

Again Phoenix drove and once again the referee awarded a penalty with the Didcot second row being on the wrong side and slowing the ball down, he had no option but to card the said player and up stepped the reliable N Coltman for his third penalty of the day (5-14).
Didcot were not going to lie down easily and again they attacked the Phoenix line and a missed tackle allowed their centre to cross and bring them back into the game (12-14)

With the game getting very tense for both sides Phoenix fitness started to show and with Didcot starting to tire Phoenix got themselves back in to the driving seat .Another ball went wide and it was the right winger C Russell who drove hard for the line and everyone thought was a try the referee awarded that he had put a foot into touch.

Phoenix were not going to be phased by this and again took the game to Didcot this time it was the turn of the left winger A McKeown who showed his opposite number a clean pair of heals and stepped inside the full back to cross wide out (12-19)

In the dying minutes of the game Phoenix were awarded yet another penalty to end a hard fought game from both sides (12-22).

Next week Phoenix go into the playoffs playing Farnham Royal at their home ground at Institute Road. K 0 2.30

Team
James Dixon Robin Gill Sean Flynn Alex Jones Willem Botes Tom Porter Jamie Willis Nigel Cotman Dave Harris Kieran Roche Tom Pell Nick Coventry Jason Townsend Alex McKeown Austin Leavy James Dean Stephen Hyland Charlie Russell