Enforced changes hamper Phoenix revival

The euphoria of the victory over Thatcham last weekend evaporated for Phoenix at Gosford All Blacks last Saturday. Phoenix struggled to cope with the seven enforced changes to the side that had done so well the previous weekend and this affected all areas of the game. The new players who stepped up to the mark did well enough but lack of coordination was evident early on. In spite of these difficulties, Phoenix got off to a good start when centre Dave McMillan drove hard into the Gosford line in the opening stages. An early penalty for Nigel Coltman put Phoenix in the lead. Strangely the home side took a little time to settle down but eventually crossed for their first try wide out on the right as they rounded the Phoenix three-quarter line. A second penalty from Coltman from the half way line returned the lead to Phoenix but it was clear that their pack was struggling to compete with the aggressive Gosford outfit. Gosford began to take control of the ball and with it the match. The Gosford three-quarters gradually got the measure of their opponents and in spite of some excellent defence from Dave McMillan, they were able to drive hard into Phoenix territory. Early on Gosford mistakes allowed Phoenix some respite but eventually they overcame their problems and punished Phoenix in most phases. Phoenix defended strongly for most of the first half and remained in touch at the break on 6 points to Gosford’s 18. Edd Dibb at prop and Mark Jones in the back row got through an enormous amount of work in stifling Gosford possession but it was not enough.
Any thoughts Phoenix had of upsetting their free running opponents evaporated early in the second half however when Gosford put the game out of reach of Phoenix with three tries within 15 minutes taking them to 39 points. The Phoenix pack responded by keeping the ball tight which prevented the Gosford three-quarters from causing more damage. Neil Wyncombe drove on in the loose, taking play deep into Gosford territory and Matthew Symmonds, returning to rugby after a long lay-off crashed over for Phoenix’ only try of the match before Gosford finished things off with a final try taking their score to 46 points. 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 entertain Slough in the final of the Bucks Shield kick-off 2.30 p.m. everyone is welcome.

Phoenix: E Dibb, S Smith, J Willis, N Wyncombe, A Bird, J Dixon, M Jones, M Symonds, L Saunders, Roche, D McMillan, R Mitchell, J Townsend, G Turner, N Coltman.
Subs: C Varey