PHOENIX 1XV TEAM EXTENDS LEAD

Phoenix entertained Faringdon at the weekend with what was again an unknown quantity for both sides.

Reading the reports from Farringdon's previous games they like to play around the corner rugby with their very big set of forwards.

From the commencement of the match, Phoenix were prepared to bring the game to the Farringdon side, making the most of their forwards superior fitness to wear the opponent’s side down.

After only five minutes of play, Phoenix scored their first try through their captain Tom Porter, with a follow-up conversion from J Townsend(7-0).

Phoenix began to break down the Farringdon's forwards, however were continuously being penalized at the break down which resulted in a penalty being awarded. This was successfully converted by the Faringdon kicker put them back into the game (7-3).

Phoenix were working very hard in every department, especially from a strong defensive lines, allowing them to pin Faringdon back at every line-out and scrum, with the back row of J Quick, J Willis and O Brickley tackling everything that Faringdon threw at them. Phoenix gained a line-out within the Faringdon half and with a quick ball down the line saw the newcomer to the first team C Russell race in for his debut try and the kick being converted. Phoenix were further enhanced their lead (14-3).

Play continued, Phoenix continuing to press the visiting site and some good preparation work by B Coomber and winger L Collins, managed to outpace his man and score a third try for the home side(19-3).

Phoenix were now completely in the driving seat with the front row of J Dixon, R Gill and T Porter putting the big Faringdon pack under immense pressure. A scrum 10 yards out from the Faringdon try line saw the Phoenix pack put on a big drive for the line, only for the Faringdon pack to collapse and the referee to award a penalty try and a bonus point for Phoenix 26 -3.

The Phoenix centres were continuing to open up the visiting side up with their good lines and clever moves, one such move that saw Phoenix full back J Townsend enter the line, and with a clever show and go, cruised in to cross for the fifth try 31-5.

With a further two tries from J Dean and B Coomber gave Phoenix another bonus point win and in a firm position at the top of the league 43-3.

Team; J Dixon R Gill T Porter A Jones N Wincomb J Willis O Brickley J Quick D Harris K Roach L Collins J Winters B Coomber C Russell J Townsend J Dean (45) A bird (50) I Watkinson (40)