Phoenix 21 Pts v Slough 50 Pts

The match started at typical local derby pace, and after some quick thinking from Slough at its first line out, saw the visiting side take a 5-0 lead with only 1 minute on the clock. Suitably chastened, Phoenix hit back strongly at Slough but some resolute defending saw Slough clear its lines without surrendering a score. Another bit of quick thinking by Slough saw a quickly-taken penalty result in a second try, Slough leading 12-0 after 23 minutes following the successful conversion. With ten minutes to go, Phoenix let Slough play some quick off-loading rugby, which saw two successive tries taking the score to 26-0 in Slough’s favour at half time.

Phoenix looked to fight back in the second half, and after some pressure on the Slough line, a penalty try was awarded after Alan Bird was prevented from scoring a certain try by the Slough defence that had not retreated behind the try line. 26-7. But as quickly as Phoenix was back in it, Slough scored a well-worked try from a chip kick seeing Slough push its lead to 33-7. Phoenix then scored the next try, with Luke Maundrill scoring from a number 8 pick up to bring the score back to 33-14, but Slough responded with another try of its own from its own 22, Slough now leading 38-14. Although Phoenix scored another converted try through Tom Porter to bring the score back to 38-21, this was as close as the score got and 2 tries, one on the last play of the game, took the final score out to 50-21.

Ultimately Phoenix missed some crucial tackles that opened the pitch up to the quick Slough backline, and although the forwards fought hard, possession was difficult to secure at set pieces. Coupled with the tendency for Phoenix to turn the ball over when on the front foot, Slough was not put under as much pressure as maybe they should have been, particularly in a derby encounter.

Phoenix continues its league campaign with a match away against Swindon College Old Boys, 2.30pm this Saturday 1st November.

Phoenix: Sean Flynn, Hilling, Tom Porter (Capt), Botes, Coltman, Willis, Tony Porter, Maundrill; Harris, Roche, James Flynn, Bogalski, Richardson, Pell, Philpot

Subs: Bird, Castle-Mason, Lloyd