Phoenix 24 Pts v Risborough 15 Pts

It was a much changed Phoenix side that welcomed Risborough to Institute Road last weekend. It took Phoenix just 8 minutes before they broke clean through with Adam McMillan touching down in the corner for the opening try. With the Phoenix pack gaining good loose ball and Paul Byrne running the show at fly-half, the Phoenix three-quarters were provided with many opportunities. A few minutes later, when Byrne moved the ball left and after a series of passes that went to ground but were recovered by Phoenix, Jack Dainty took the ball on and slipped the scoring pass to Adam McMillan for his second try. Risborough accepted the wake-up call and came back strongly but the Phoenix defence was capable enough to keep them under control. Nevertheless a superb dropped goal by Risborough reduced the deficit to 7 points 20 minutes into the match. Both sides then exchanged missed penalty goal attempts before a quickly taken penalty by Phoenix caught Risborough napping and second row Neil Wincomb in support drove over for the fist of his two tries. This time a Kieran Roche conversion gained Phoenix the extras as the first half entered its closing stages. But Phoenix pressed on again and on the stroke of half-time Wincomb drove over for the fourth try and take Phoenix into the break with a fairly comfortable 24 points to 3 lead.

Risborough needed to up their game for the second half and were soon pressuring Phoenix on their own line. After being held up over the line Risbourough eventually worked the ball over the line after several short penalties. The conversion took Risborough to 10 points on the half hour. With still a quarter of the match remaining, Risborough advanced to within striking distance of Phoenix with a well taken try wide out on the right bringing themselves to within 9 points of the Phoenix score. Phoenix were struggling to maintain possession for long enough spells during the second half but were able to hold Risborough at bay. Larry Cornish made his debut for the Phoenix 1st XV, replacing the injured Jack Dainty and Alan Bird replaced Tony Porter. Both sides had their chances as the match came to a close but it was the Risborough discipline that caused them to lose their way as Phoenix held them at bay for a fine bonus point victory.

Next week Phoenix entertain Hungerford at Institute Road, kick-off 2.30pm.

Phoenix: E Dibb, R Gill, J Dixon, N Wincomb, A Jones, J Taylor, T Porter, T Morgan; D Harris (Capt), P Byrne, J Dainty, K Roche, J Kilby, A McMillan, J Townsend

Subs: A Bird, J Willis, L Cornish