Phoenix narrowly lose in their 4th consecutive Bucks Cup Final

Phoenix were up against a strong Slough team last Saturday as they fought in the final for the fourth time in as many years to lift the Buckinghamshire Cup.
Things did not start well for the home side however when Slough pressed Phoenix back inside their own 22 from the kick-off gathering the Phoenix defence and spun the ball wide where an ambitious interception attempt by Phoenix wing three-quarter Jason Townsend failed and Slough cruised over unopposed in the corner for the opening try with the match barely 2 minutes old. But within 5 minutes as Phoenix reduced their deficit to just 2 points as the home side began to drive the Slough pack backwards and gained a penalty just inside the Slough half. Phoenix fly-half, Will Ballantyne on only his second outing for Phoenix and showing calm composure slotted the conversion. Phoenix gained another penalty shortly after the restart and a good kick by Townsend created a lineout just outside the Slough 22. The Phoenix lineout however failed to secure the ball and Slough brought play back to within striking distance of the Phoenix line, a penalty was struck into the corner and from the ensuing lineout Slough drove on, recycled and cutting back, crashed through the Phoenix pack to score another try. The response from Phoenix was swift as Ballantyne slotted another penalty goal when Slough were penalised for holding onto the ball in the ruck. Shortly afterwards, Phoenix failed to gather their own ball at the lineout and Slough pushed play back up to the Phoenix 22, and with a catch and drive took their tally to 15 points. The Phoenix pack began to put their opponents under pressure in the tight scrums and drove them backwards on several occasions. The Phoenix lineout however was unable to provide any ball during the first quarter of the match and only two during the second quarter. Slough on the other hand benefited immensely from this turnover ball, gaining useful field position and took their chances. A wayward clearance kick by Slough was scooped up by Phoenix wing threequarter Tom Jost who weaved his way up to the Slough 22 but failed to pass soon enough to continue the move and Phoenix were penalised. But as half time approached, it was Phoenix who were on the front foot having driven Slough back after taking useful lineout ball. The Phoenix pack was firing in the tight and Slough were feeling the pressure, diving into the scrum as Phoenix drove forward. On their second attempt however Phoenix drove to within two meters of the Slough line and a pickup and drive by James Constable at No. 8 secured Phoenix’ first try and with Ballantyne now totally relaxed adding the extras from wide out took Phoenix to within 2 points of the Slough total. As halftime approached, Phoenix drove Slough back inside their own 5 meter line, forcing a five meter scrummage at which Slough changed their front row to resist another Phoenix drive. The ball was cleared but Phoenix were beginning to establish superiority in the scrum which Slough needed to deal with if they were to defend their slim 15 points to 13 lead. Phoenix on the other hand needed to resolve their lineout problems to have any chance of upsetting the current League leaders.
Phoenix wing threequarter Jason Townsend left the field with an injury during the break to be replaced by Simon Rodwell. The second half commenced with Phoenix continuing to drive forward. The first Phoenix lineout of the half was gathered cleanly by the home side as they took Slough on inside the Slough 22 where the visitors were penalised and Ballantyne slotted a penalty goal for Phoenix to take the lead for the first time in the match. Slough suddenly awoke to the reality of their predicament and began to drive with more vigour. A swiftly moved ball to the right wing returned the lead to Slough and a second try with just 25 minutes remaining really put the result beyond doubt. The Phoenix lineout deteriorated further from which Slough gained numerous opportunities from the turnover ball which was used wisely to pressurise the Phoenix defence, scoring two more tries to take their score to
39 points to 16.
Next weekend, Phoenix entertain Bicester in the Bucks Berks and Oxon Premier League at Institute Road, kick-off 2.15 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Phoenix: Edd Dibb, Robin Gill, James Dixon, Nigel Coltman, Neil Wyncombe, Ian Watkinson (capt.), Mark Jones, James Constable, Dave Harris, Will Ballantyne, Matt Asslett, Adam McMillan, Rob Mitchell, Tom Jost, Jason Townsend.
Subs: James Willis, Simon Rodwell.