Littlemore 27 Pts v Phoenix 15 Pts

Although the Phoenix side was clearly not the same one that had put 40 points on Littlemore 3 months previously, it should still have possessed enough firepower and creativity to cause Littlemore a few more problem than it did.

The home side got off to a blistering start and opened the scoring with a fine try to take a 5 point lead. Then, sadly for Phoenix Lar Turner, who has been an inspiration for Phoenix since his comeback this season, damaged his knee ligaments again after only 5 minutes play and had to leave the field. This restricted Phoenix creativity, and rearrangement of the side saw Jason Townsend move to centre and Jack Dainty replace him on the wing. Nevertheless, shortly afterwards Phoenix captain Dave Harris drove over from scrumhalf at the base of a ruck which was set up near the Littlemore line to level at 5 points a piece. Tim Morgan and Alex Jones in the lineout for Phoenix were prolific, gaining useful ball but Phoenix were unable to make much use of it. A second try by Littlemore just before the break gave them a just about deserved 5 point lead at 10 points to 5 at halftime.

Whilst the Phoenix pack had driven strongly and gained some useful possession, they were unable to retain the ball for long enough to pressurise and penetrate the Littlemore defence. However, a Townsend penalty goal reduced the deficit early in the second half but Littlemore raced through for two tries, with one converted, to take the score to 22 points to 8 leading into the final quarter of the match. Phoenix rang the changes bringing on Dan Symonds for Morgan with a quarter of the match remaining. Phoenix upped the tempo but were unable to breach the Littlemore defence and an unfortunate breakaway try effectively ended the game as a contest. But Phoenix finished on the front foot scoring a final try with 5 minutes to go reducing the deficit to just 12 points.

Next week Phoenix 1st XV take a rest from league rugby whilst Phoenix 2nd XV travel to Windsor.

Phoenix: J Willis, R Gill, E Dibb, N Wincomb, A Jones, J Taylor, J Dixon, T Morgan; D Harris (Captain), K Roche, M Lloyd, J Richardson, L Turner, J Townsend, B Coomber

Subs: J Dainty, D Symonds