Slough 34 Pts v Phoenix 16 Pts

Phoenix made the return journey to Tamblyn Fields looking to avenge its 50-21 defeat by Slough at home earlier in the season. But even with a much improved performance, Slough was ultimately too strong for Phoenix, with the home team ultimately finishing comfortable 34-16 winners.

As with all local derbies, the match started at a frenetic pace, with Phoenix dominating the early possession and territory. However, the Slough defence was strong and with Phoenix unable to cross the tryline, Nigel Coltman converted a penalty to give the visitors the early lead. However this was not to last long with Slough soon exploiting some defensive naivety in the Phoenix backline to score a converted try to put them 7-3 up. A further defensive lapse saw a further try scored by the Slough backs to push the home team’s lead out to 12-3. Having quickly fallen 2 scores behind, Phoenix fought back, and through a Coltman penalty brought the deficit down to 6 points, 12-6 to Slough. However Slough was hitting a purple patch, and quickly scored another try from a quickly taken backs move, 17-6. Phoenix rejigged the backline by putting James Richardson back at full back, and although this stabilized the defence to some degree, Slough stretched their lead by 2 tries in the run up to half time, with the score now 29-6. A final attack on the Slough line provided a try for Dave Harris after a pick up from the base of the scrum by Coltman – his run pulling apart a hole in the thus far resolute Slough defence. 29-11 at half time.

The second half was to be a much scrappier, harder fought affair, although ultimately this was mainly due to Slough receiving a yellow and a 2nd yellow/red card and being reduced to 13 men for a period. It also didn't help Phoenix's cause that Dave McMillan was lost to injury, forcing a reshuffle of the backline that saw Iain Watkinson move from the back row and into the centre. With both sides struggling to break down some stern defense, much of the play was in the middle of the pitch, with neither side looking likely to score. When the Slough prop forward was given his second yellow card for striking a player, the momentum shifted ever so slightly to Phoenix. And with 10 minutes to go, Ben Nathan scored Phoenix’s second try in the corner after the ball was passed down the length of the now-heavily rejigged backline after a period of pressure on the Slough line. With Phoenix now pushing for 2 more scores to at least secure a losing bonus point, the team was always going t be stretched – Slough scored the final try of the match in the dying minutes to make the final score 34-16.

Phoenix Director of Rugby commented, “ It was a far better performance than the one we put together earlier in the season against the same opposition, but ultimately Slough were more competitive in the 50/50 situations and dominated the possession there. We continue to improve with the team implementing many of the skills we are working through in training and, although the backs on the day acquitted themselves admirably, it was not ideal to have to play the entire second half with 3 hookers occupying the 12, 13 and 15 positions…” Nigel Coltman was awarded Man of the Match for his strong play in the tight and in the loose.

Phoenix continues its league campaign at home in two weeks’ time against Swindon College Old Boys. Kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 21st February. Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at our Institute Road ground.

Phoenix: Lloyd, Hilling, Tom Porter (Capt), Brickley, Dan Symonds, Willis, Watkinson, Coltman; Harris, Roche, Nathan, Dave McMillan, Richardson, James Flynn, Harrison

Subs: Sean Flynn, Anderson