Phoenix 2nd team ended November away at High Wycombe. With mixed results of late and two point’s separating the sides at the start of play this game was always going to be close.

The away side started brightly, strong carries from the back row driving the red and blacks up the park, finding space through the middle and good offloading from Mark Harper and James Quick had Wycombe on the back foot from the off. Persistent pressure from all 15 in 22 led to the first opportunity of the game and from the boot of Harry Bampton the fullback took his chance, 0-3.

A good start was now turning in to a great one for the away side. Ben Wood at 10 was carving his way time and time again through the back line, direct running lines from James Morris and Jack Brown were also causing problems with the only thing missing being the final pass. Phoenix were asking all the questions.

Pressure from repeated 22 dropout’s final turned pressure in points as Ben Wood found the line after another jinking run, beating 4 defenders. The conversion out wide was difficult bit Phoenix led 0-8.

High Wycombe had to respond and there strong scrum platform was keeping them in the game by giving good ball to the backs. Phoenix was equal to this threat with strong defence from Jack brown and Jason Morris in the centres and aggressive tackling from James Quick and Robbie Henwood. Before the half was over Phoenix sprung defence into attack moving the ball well from repeat sets in the middle to the back line for a score from the winger in the corner. 0-13 at the break.

Half time and the mood was high, the game plan was to push on but to play the game at our pace, do the basics well. But right from the whistle that message hadn't sunk in and Wycombe saw the chance to get back in the game. From a penalty the Wycombe 9 took a quick tap and was past the forward pack before they could react. The backs could reach him either and the home side were on the board 5-13.

This was a different game now, home side had realised they had to move the ball quicker and were on the offensive, Phoenix were doubting themselves. Wycombe were now using the pitch pinning Phoenix back and penalties were starting to roll quickly for the home team. Again from one such penalty the tap was taken quickly and with the Phoenix line all over the place it was 10-13 and game on.

Phoenix had to regroup they were on the ropes as the game was now boxing match each side probing for an opening to end it. Both sides were getting tired and the handling errors were happening over the park, so it was the set play that was key. Wycombe scrum on the Phoenix 22 and good ball saw moved wide, 2-3 phases and the hone side found the line again, leading for the first time 15-13. Was this the knockout blow.

10 minutes left Phoenix picked themselves off the canvas putting first half dominance slip they now had to dig deep to find a way to win. For the first time in the half the pack went through the phases, 4, 5, 6 passages of play, half way, ten metre line, penalty. This was the chance 5 minutes to go. Harry Bampton steps up but the ball goes wide and perhaps the game had gone.

From the 22 dropout and the forwards went again. In to the 22, charge after charge. 5 metres out, Captain Rob Challis held up, Jason Morris, held up Nigel Barton just short on the line. But then the whistle, Wycombe kill the ball and a penalty bang in front and one more chance to take the game.

This time Harry Bampton slots the 3 points comfortably and the game was won 15-16. A true game of two halves, Phoenix narrowly deserving the win and great determination at the end to win.