Poor decisions rob Phoenix of much needed win

This was a difficult away fixture for Phoenix. Phoenix have had a poor start to the season although an extraordinary run of three draws could have easily been three wins, in which case their confidence would have been higher and victory at Littlemore almost a certainty. However Phoenix travelled to Littlemore seeking their first league victory of the season and came very close to achieving it.
Between Phoenix and their objective stood a strong and determined Littlemore side and not a few unfortunate 50/50 decisions. In the event Phoenix took the lead early on when captain James Constable picked up from the base of the scrum and drove over, increasing the angle for the conversion. The reliable Nigel Coltman converted to take a strong 7 point lead 15 minutes into the match. Littlemore had little to offer in response as Dave McMillan at centre and Tom Jost on the wing prevented any continuous Littlemore attacks. With many decisions going against them, Phoenix clearly had a mountain to climb but they maintained their 7 point lead until the break. Crucially, the injured Tom Jost was replaced by Chris Clarke.
The second half got underway with Phoenix relinquishing territory to a seemingly more lively Littlemore attack but a useful kick and Littlemore fumble took Phoenix quickly back into Littlemore territory. But unfortunately Phoenix gave up the pressure game in favour of the potential of quick penalties even in midfield, a gamble that failed spectacularly, gaining little or no ground and often losing possession to a penalty. Littlemore on the other hand, albeit with the benefit of a series of 8 dubious penalties worked their way into the Phoenix 22. Littlemore had restructured during the break and were now committed to forward driving mauls and rucks. They used their heavier pack to batter the Phoenix defence and eventually reduced the deficit to just 2 points when their prop forward crashed over for their opening try midway through the second half. Phoenix continued to suffer under the pressure of the Littlemore pack and coughed up more penalties as the match progressed. Any Phoenix possession was often won in defensive positions and they failed to make any use of it. With 10 minutes of the match remaining, Littlemore again worked their way through penalties into the Phoenix 22 and after a lengthy stoppage for an injury to a Littlemore player, Littlemore stretched out to score what turned out to be the match winning try. The conversion left Phoenix needing a try to draw the match with barely 8 minutes remaining but the match finished with Phoenix so desperately close to their first victory and away from home. Phoenix train every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7.00 p.m. at their grounds in Institute road Taplow see www.phoenixrfc.com for further information. ON 1st JANUARY 2012 PHOENIX HOST AN OVER 30’S VERSUS UNDER 30’S MATCH AT INSTITUTE ROAD KICK-OFF 2.30 P.M. EVERYBODY WELCOME.
Phoenix: E Dibb, I Wilkinson, J Willis, N Wyncombe, N Coltman, R Coborough, T Morgan, J Constable, K Roach, B Coomber, J Richardson, D McMillan, T Jost, A McMillan, R Inness.
Subs: R Gill, C Clarke, D Stevens.