Thatcham 62 pts Phoenix 5 pts

With Thatcham narrowly missing out on league promotion last season, Phoenix expected a difficult match. Things were compounded for the visitors as they were missing several players. But things got off to a good start for Phoenix as Thatcham were penalised on their own 10 meter lie and Townsend stepped up to attempt a long range penalty goal. Sadly for the visitors, the kick went just wide. Even in these early stages, Phoenix clearly had the measure of their opponents in the tight scrum where the new front row trio of James Richardson, James Dean and Edd Dibb were immense. The Phoenix scrummage managed to drive Thatcham back on several occasions but it was in open play that Thatcham had the upper hand. A Thatcham penalty just outside the Phoenix 22 was quickly taken by the home side and they rounded the Phoenix defence for their opening try. It was not long before Thatcham scored again in similar circumstances and with the conversion took their early lead to 12 points. Against this onslaught of pace from the Thatcham threequarters, Phoenix stood firm and drove and recycled the ball well in the pack. Good driving from Dibb and some excellent back up from the veteran flanker Ian Watkinson and debutant flanker Ryan Codborough ensured that Thatcham did not have everything their own way. Captain Constable (James) at No. 8 for Phoenix drove his team on and ensured that they made most use of their superiority in the tight. On the half hour, Phoenix made their presence felt as they pressurised Thatcham on their own line. First Constable drove and Dibb came close then Winters was held up over the line. Unfortunately the 5 meter scrum failed to keep the pressure on Thatcham and the Phoenix opportunity was lost. Townsend had another chance to get Phoenix on the scoreboard with another penalty attempt but again the kick went wide. A fine Thatcham individual try from their talented full-back saw him chip and gather the kick for a try beneath the posts. But Phoenix came back strongly and pressed Thatcham again on their own line but a mistake at centre as Phoenix tried to move the ball fell neatly into the hands of a Thatcham threequarter who raced in from 80 meters to take Thatcham into a half-time lead of 31 points.
Clearly Thatcham were in the ascendant and Phoenix needed to emphasise their forward superiority as much as possible. However it was impossible to deny the Thatcham threequarters for the rest of the match. The Phoenix pack kept their form and the highlight of the match was a well controlled pushover try. The Phoenix front five kept their opponents under pressure whilst James Constable controlled the ball at the rear of the scrum releasing it as the line approached for scrum-half Luke Saunders to score. As the visitors tired however, the Thatcham pace proved too much and they ran in another 4 tries to complete a convincing victory. 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 first XV entertain Swindon College Old Boys in the Bucks Berks and Oxon League at Institute Road, kick-off 3.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Phoenix: J Richardson, J Dean, E Dibb, N Wyncombe, I Watkinson, R Codborough, J Constable(Captain), L Saunders, K Roach, J Winters, M Ansell, D Cohane, T Jost, J Townsend.
Subs: D Wardle,