PHOENIX WIN A CLOSELY CONTESTED GAME

Phoenix travelled away this weekend to Risborough, who currently are positioned 8th in the BBO Premiership league. The game began very even, with strong, regimented defensive lines by both teams.

It was a first penalty conversion scored by Nigel Coltman that opened the score line. 0-3

Throughout the whole game Phoenix dominated the majority of scrums, and sought most of the possession within the lineouts, which was in part to the great forward play by the Phoenix Props; Luca Piermento, Stephen Hyland, Jay Robinson, Jamie Willis and Thomas Porter.

Unfortunately it was a break in the Phoenix defence that allowed Risborough’s full back to cut through the defensive line and score under the posts. Conversion scored. 7-3.

Phoenix knew they needed to up the pace if they were going to win the game.

Phoenix continued to pressure the home side, and a quick chipped ball over by the fly half, Jason Townsend allowed Alex McKeown to use his pace to power down the pitch to score the first try for Phoenix. 7-8

Phoenix gathered their momentum and began to take a grip of the game through some great lines run by the back line Alex McKeown, Jason Townsend, Edmund Doherty, and Nick Coventry. These continued efforts weren’t in vain; a scrum on the Risborough 5 metre line allowed Dave Harris an opportunity to make a quick dash and over the try line and score Phoenix’s second try of the match. 7-13.

Half time score 7-13.

Phoenix now were in the driving seat but knew they needed to keep the momentum up, keeping focused, and using the skills learnt in training if they were going to win the game.

The second half commenced, and it wasn’t long until Phoenix was awarded another penalty, which bought the score to 7-16. Risborough retaliated, scoring another try and conversion bringing the score to 14-16.

The game drew to a close, and two further penalties left the final score at 17-19.

A great effort from the Phoenix side and a close game. Next game is against Slough at our home ground.