Firsts lose to table-toppers after early lead

Alchester 53 pts Phoenix 12 pts
Phoenix visited league leaders Alchester last Saturday who had scored an average of almost 40 points a match to that point and although they battled hard came away second best in a tough encounter in extremely windy conditions, having taken the early game to the home side and with it the lead in the first quarter of the match.
Phoenix got things under way and were quick to press Alchester back onto their own line. Flanker Dave Harris crossed for a disallowed try within a few minutes of the start. But from a five meter scrum Rob Mitchell picked up at the base of the scrum and drove over to open the scoring. A great conversion from Jason Townsend gave Phoenix an early lead and caused Alchester to raise their game. Alchester began to take play to Phoenix driving hard into the heart of a strong Phoenix defence but from their venture into Phoenix territory came away with a penalty goal to reduce their deficit after just 15 minutes. The driving of the Alchester pack drew the best from their opponents and Phoenix defended superbly. An Alchester forward drive however resulted in another try for the home side with an excellent conversion in the windy conditions. A second Alchester try came in similar circumstances and Phoenix were 17 points to 7 adrift as half time approached. Phoenix pressed hard and a clever inside pass from scrum-half debutant Will Ballantyne was grabbed by debutant wing threequarter Chris Harrison who crossed for Phoenix’ second try. But just before halftime Alchester broke through in midfield and although accidental an obstruction by Phoenix resulted in a penalty goal for Alchester and perhaps more importantly an enforced 10 minute rest for the guilty player.
With the wind advantage in the second half and a reduced Phoenix pack, Alchester took full advantage. A defensive error saw Phoenix touch down behind their own line from the restart and the ensuing scrummage resulted in a pushover try for Alchester. A great conversion increased the Alchester lead to 27 points with barely two minutes of the second half played. A few minutes later, Alchester drove over again to put the match result beyond doubt. But Phoenix came back strongly to threaten the Alchester line on several occasions but found themselves on the receiving end of some good Alchester clearance kicks on the blustery wind. But as Phoenix were up in attack, Alchester broke away to score another try from within their own 22. Returned to full strength, Phoenix held up the Alchester train with some excellent defensive work but were unable to avoid the inevitable. Next weekend, Phoenix entertain Slough in the final of Buckinghamshire Cup at Institute Road, kick-off 2.15 p.m. The last time these two sides met, Slough ran out the victors by 57 points to 24. Everyone is welcome.
Phoenix: Edd Dibb, Robin Gill, James Dixon, Aistaire Bilson, Neil Wyncombe, Ian Watkinson (capt.), Rob Mitchell, Dave Harris, Will Ballantyne, Kieron Roach, Matt Asslett, Adam McMillan, Wilf Midlane, Chris Harrison, Jason Townsend.
Subs: James Willis, Nigel Coltman.