PHOENIX JOINT VICTORY TO THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE

Phoenix 33 V Littlemore10

Littlemore arrived at phoenix in high sprits on the back of a 70 -0 win against Oxford the previous week and with Phoenix beating Berkshire Shire Hall this was billed as a tough game for both sides .

From the outset Phoenix took the game to Littlemore and scored early on through the Phoenix outside centre B Coomber and conversion by winger J Townsend. (7-0)

With good line speed from the Phoenix back line saw the Phoenix winger T Pell intercept the pass and run in unopposed to the line with the conversion, Phoenix was now up 14-0.

Phoenix was now beginning to dominate every aspect of the game, strong in the tight scrummages where J Dixon and S Williams were dominating there opposite numbers and J Quick and N Coltman commanding the lineouts.

From a quick rucked ball, scum half, Alex Walsh sent it out wide which looked like Phoenix were on for another try when the Phoenix full back entered the line but sadly went down with a torn hamstring and had to leave the field to be replaced by J Kilby .

Littlemore were not going to lie down easily and some strong running from there No 8 saw Littlemore cross the line. Try scored but missed the conversion bringing Littlemore back into the game. (14-5)

Phoenix upped the tempo of the game and were playing some good phase rugby, but the Phoenix No 10 was being put under some extreme pressure and was being forced to kick, from one such kick, that everyone thought nothing would come from it, saw the rapid winger C Morgan win the race for the touchdown and put Phoenix 21 -5 with the conversion from N Colman.

After a couple of missed penalties by Littlemore the half ended.

The second half began with Littlemore on the front foot and attacking Phoenix in the midfield with some good drives from there outstanding N0 8 and there quick NO 10 but the defence was strong and firm breaking down the Littlemore serge.

Phoenix were again making phases and making solid ground towards the Littlemore line from a move which J Quick passed the ball wide to winger C Morgan who proceeded to pass to the speedy second row N Wincomb, saw him drive hard for the line, taking the Littlemore winger with him and crossed for Phoenix making this the 4th try. A bonus point was awarded and another conversion put Phoenix into a commanding lead (28-5).

Littlemore were not done yet though and another good break from there forwards saw them cross for their second try (28-10).

Phoenix made a few changes with the tank Matt Symonds coming on for O Brickley who had taken a bang on the head. Straight away, Symonds disrupted the Littlemore ball and played havoc in their ranks with his driving force.

The best try was saved until last, the Phoenix forwards and backs interchanged which finally found the ball in the Phoenix flanker hands J Willis scoring an amazing try making the final score to be (33-10).

Another good all round performance by the Phoenix with a bonus point win and sharing first place in the league.

MAN OF MATCH: J WILLIS

Team
J Dixon, R Gill, S Williams, N Coltman, N Wincomb, J Willis, O Brickley , J Quick, A Walsh, K Roach, J Winters, B Coomber, T Pell
C Morgan, J Townsend, A Leavy , J Kilby, M Symonds.