Phoenix 11 vs Swindon College O.B. 38

Phoenix had their preparations disrupted when senior player Iain Watkinson was injured in the pre-match warm-up and was unable to play. Further troubles followed 10 minutes into the game when Captain James Constable was forced off with concussion.

The re-organised pack competed fiercely throughout the match, led from the front by James Dean and James Richardson. However, the team suffered whenever the College side were able to move the ball out wide and create space.

The first score came after 15 minutes when the College moved the ball wide from a set scrum to release their left winger who touched down in the corner.

The first half was evenly fought and the College had to wait almost to half time before they could extend their lead. Again a move off a set scrum gave the left winger space to score. With the conversion the College now led 12-0.

Phoenix responded positively and took play into the College 22 and were able to exert some sustained pressure which led to two penalties, both converted by Kieran Roche, to make the half time score 12-6

The 2nd half was again evenly matched with both sides trying to play constructive rugby. However, as the final quarter approached Phoenix, with all substitutes used, began to tire giving the College side space to exploit. This they did with great effect taking the game out of Phoenix’s reach scoring three tries to make the score 6-33.

Credit must be given to Phoenix who never gave up and scored a consolation try through Adam McMillan who cleverly supported a back-row move off a set-scrum in the College 22.

The final move of the game saw the College open up play from a defensive position to create space for their left winger to score his 4th try out wide to make the final score 11-38 in the College favour

Phoenix Team
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R. Innes, L.Collins, D.McMillan,J Winters,A.McMillan,K.Roche,L.Saunders,B.Duncan
J Dean,J Richardson, Alex Jones,N Wincomb,R Coubrough,J Constable,I Watkinson
Sub. Mark Jones,J.Willis,D.Wardle

Next week Phoenix travel to local rivals Drifters for their Bucks Bowl semi-final KO 2.30pm
The 2nd XV entertain Drifters 2nd XV at home. KO 3.00pm