A friendly "game of two halves"?

Phoenix entertained Uxbridge at Institute Road last weekend in a non-league encounter that saw some remarkable play. Shorn of the importance of league commitments, both sides ran the ball well in the opening stages. Uxbridge were the more cautious however but drove and recycled well up front. The seemingly younger Phoenix outfit however were quick on the break and managed to create a number of opportunities. James Dean made his debut at scrum half and was constantly harassing his opposite number. Neither side troubled the scorers although Dean broke from his own 22 to feed to Constable in support but unfortunately for the home side, the pass went into touch. Veteran prop Alan Herd made his presence felt in the tight for Phoenix but it was the Phoenix loose play and counter-attacking that caused Uxbridge most problems. The visitors came close as well but the Phoenix defence held secure until the break.
Much effort by both sides had failed to make a score during the first half. The second half saw the teams bring on fresh legs and on the hour James Richardson scored Phoenix’ first try. Veteran Phoenix threequarter Tony Padfield had just replaced Adam McMillan and almost with his first touch of the ball cleverly chipped through and Richardson won the race for the touch down. The second Phoenix try was not long in coming in similar circumstances but this time it was Richardson who chipped through and Watkinson who touched down beneath the posts to take Phoenix into a 12 point lead. Uxbridge clearly had the more controlled forward play and drove on well but were out-paced in open play by the more dynamic Phoenix outfit. Nevertheless a strong drive by the Uxbridge pack was justifiably rewarded with a try to reduce the deficit as their pack drive over from 10 meters. Phoenix were now beginning to make their speed in open play count and as the ball was moved left, Nigel Coltman swiftly slipped the ball to James Dean in support for a try in the right hand corner. Finally Ian Watkinson showed his pace when he broke from his own 22 to outstrip the Uxbridge defence and score the final Phoenix try wide out on the left.
Phoenix train every Tuesday evening at 7.00 p.m. at their grounds in Institute road Taplow see www.phoenixrfc.com for further information. Next weekend Phoenix have a friendly match at Institute Road kick-off 3.00 p.m.
Phoenix: Alan Herd, James Richardson, Chris Vaughan, Alistaire Bilson, Nigel Coltman, Mark Jones, Paul Devlin, Ian Watkinson, James Dean, Kieron Roach, James Constable, Rob Innes, Paul Jones, Jack Dainty, Adam McMillan.
Subs: Nigel Barton, Paul Roke, Tony Golder, Steve Smith.