Great second half comeback gives the 1st XV a much needed win

Phoenix entertained Hungerford at Institute Road last Saturday badly in need of a win. Things have looked better for Phoenix since Christmas with better performances in both first and second fifteens but victory still eluded them.
Hungerford got things underway and immediately began with some good forward driving and recycling. Phoenix should have relieved the pressure but failed to find touch with a penalty clearance that put them under even more pressure in the early stages of the match. The Phoenix pack was showing its strength and was unlucky not to force a try when second row Neil Wyncombe and the Ian Watkinson were held on the line. Hungerford withstood the pressure and with handling errors from the home side were able to clear their lines. This was to be one of the few Phoenix attacks of the first half as Hungerford pressed them back into their own 22. The Phoenix lineout was unable to provide controlled possession and Hungerford were quick to pounce and drive on. Hungerford converted a penalty on the Phoenix 22 to take the lead after 20 minutes. Phoenix brought Edd Dibb on at prop for the injured James Willis. The Phoenix pack continued to put Hungerford under pressure but they were unable to breach a strong Hungerford defence. Another Hungerford penalty goal gave the visitors a 6 point lead as half time approached. Phoenix then spent some time investigating the possibilities of scoring a try but were again repelled by the Hungerford defence.
Within minutes of the start of the second half, Phoenix found themselves 9 points down to a third Hungerford penalty goal. Inspiration was needed by the home side and it came when Adam McMillan, given just a little space touched down in the corner on the hour. An excellent conversion from Jason Townsend saw the ball soar between the uprights to put Phoenix within just 2 points of the visitors. Concerns about the Phoenix lineout were consigned to the scrap heap of the first half as Mark Jones began to take control. Wyncombe and Bilson in the Phoenix second row became the rock around which the Phoenix pack gradually turned the match around. A pushover try for Phoenix no. 8 Rob Mitchell took the lead for the home side as the pack asserted itself. Another try came for Mitchell after another Phoenix forward drive close to the line. With the Hungerford pack under severe pressure Watkinson intercepted to score beneath the posts and take Phoenix to an almost unassailable 24 points to 9 lead. Hungerford were now reeling under the Phoenix onslaught of the final quarter and when Townsend broke from his own 10 meter line to be stopped just inches short of the Hungerford try line, who should pop up in support to score his third try of the match but Rob Mitchell again. As the match came to a close Hungerford gained a consolation try beneath the posts to make the final score 29 points to 16. 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 Wheatley at Institute Road, kick-off 2.15 p.m. everyone is welcome.

Phoenix: James Willis, Robin Gill, James Dixon, Aistaire Bilson, Neil Wyncombe, Mark Jones, Ian Watkinson (capt.), Rob Mitchell, Dave Harris, Kieron Roach, John Winters, Matt Asslett, Tom Jost, Adam McMillan, Jason Townsend.
Subs: Ed Dibb, Steve Smith.