Tough match as expected against newly demoted opponents

Phoenix entertained Chipping Norton, newly demoted from Southern Counties North and were sure to prove difficult opposition for the Taplow side.
Phoenix however got off to a great start and were 3 points up within 2 minutes after Chipping Norton were penalised for off-side and Jason Townsend slotted the goal. Greater things were in store however for the home side. From a lineout five meters from the Chipping Norton line, Phoenix won possession and recycled well for prop forward Edd Dibb to crash over to take Phoenx into an 8 point lead. Townsend made it 10 points to nil with the conversion and the momentum was all with Phoenix. But Chipping Norton came back strongly and Phoenx spent pretty much the remainder of the first half in their own territory, struggling to escape. After 20 minutes, Chipping Norton made their territorial advantage count when they slotted a penalty goal to reduce the deficit to just 7 points with half-time looming. Then just reward came to Chipping Norton when they crashed over for a try and conversion to level the match. Just before the break however, Phoenix had the opportunity to take the lead with a penalty goal but Townsend just sent the ball wide of the left-hand post. Phoenix made a tactical replacement at half time, James Richardson at prop came off and veteran Billy Duncan took the field for the second half.
Phoenix needed to score first in the second half and did just that when a Mat Hood clearance kick was fielded by Chpping Norton but they failed to make ground and the loose ball was gathered by Townsend who was unstoppable from the half-way line and scored half way out on the left. Nigel Coltman took the conversion as Townsend was receiving treatment for an injury and took the Phoenix lead to 7 points. Phoenix failed to control the estart and eded up with a Chipping Norton scrummage 5 meters out from their own line from which Chipping Norton struck with a no. 8 try from the base of the scrum. But Chipping Norton missed the chance to level the scores as their conversion went wide. But Chipping Norton were regaining their composure and began to threaten Phoenix. Coomber made a couple of breaks but the Phoenix attacks came to nought. Te injured Townsend missed a penalty goal from the 22 before being replaced by James Dean. Chipping Norton retook the lead with a try when Phoenix dropped off their tackles and let them through in mid-field. Phoenix struggled to obtain the try that would level the scores but as so often happens, the ball was turned over and it was Chipping Norton that extended their lead with another try to finish the game at 29 points to 17. 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 second XV entertain Reading at Institute Road, kick-off 3.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Phoenix: E Dibb, J Richardson, N Wyncombe, N Coltman, I Watkinson, T Morgan, R Cooborough, J Constable(Captain), J Mosleley, B Coomber, J Winters, A McMillan, M Lloyd, J Townsend, M Hood.
Subs: B Duncan, J Dean, RGill