Phoenix put in good effort despite defeat

Swindon College Old Boys were keen to maintain their upper league table position when they entertained Phoenix at Swindon. There was less between the sides than the eventual scoreline might suggest Even though player availability issues hampered Phoenix, the main problem for Phoenix was an inability to turn good field position into points. In the first few minutes, Swindon caught Phoenix cold with a straightforward lineout catch and drive to score in the corner. But Phoenix recovered their composure to push Swindon back into their own 22 for a 10 minute spell. Constable from No. 8 drove on strongly for the visitors as did the reliable Edd Dibb at prop forward. But Phoenix were held out by some good Swindon defence. After a touch kick to take play deep inside the Phoenix 22, a second catch and drive from the lineout gave the home side a 10 point lead. But Phoenix responded again driving Swindon back on several occasions but again came away empty handed from several forages deep inside Swindon’s 22. Phoenix’ problems increased when Tom Jost left the field with an injury but replacement James Dixon helped the Phoenix pack assert itself. Just before the break, Swindon scored a well-worked try looping and producing the overlap but breaking back inside to score beneath the posts.
The second half saw a much more alert performance from Phoenix and Swindon were made to work for any further points. Dibb and Constable again took the game to Swindon and Phoenix lock Alex Jones made his oresence felt in the loose. At last Phoenix began to create some clear chances for both their wing threequarters. Mike Lloyd was dragged down inches short of the line and Chris Clarke exposed some wishfull Swindon tackling . But alas Phoenix were unable to cross the Swindon line. In the final 10 minutes of the match as Phoenix threw everything at Swindon, they were caught without cover when play broke down at centre. This resulted in two further tries for Swindon which took their tally to 31 points. With 10 minutes remaining Phoenix brought on veteran Gary Jefferies for the injured Roach. Phoenix never gave up however and James Richardson crossed under the posts to score a much deserved try for Phoenix. Next weekend Phoenix entertain Bicester at Institute road, kick-off 2.15 p.m. Everybody is welcome. 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.
Phoenix: E Dibb, I Watkinson, J Willis, A Jones, N Coltman, M Symmonds, T Morgan, J Constable, L Saunders, K Roach, J Richardson, T Jost, M Lloyd, C Clarke, W Ballantyne.
Subs: J Dixon, G Jefferies.