Harwell RFC 0 v Phoenix RFC 27

Phoenix secured a well-deserved away bonus point win against Harwell in freezing conditions on Saturday (15 December).

In what has so far proved to be a season of peaks and troughs, the Taplow-based club ended 2018 on a high with a resounding victory over a Harwell side who have found points hard to come by recently.

Phoenix got off to the best possible start with three tries in quick succession. The first coming from fullback Bradley Coomber, who showed good composure to swerve several tackles before dotting down under the posts.

This was followed by a somewhat fortunate try from John Henry Kelly, who nevertheless deserves credit for chasing down a long kick forward, which was fumbled by the Harwell fullback as he attempted to ground the ball over the line.

Outside centre Jason Townsend was next on the scoresheet following a powerful run in which he outpaced his opposite number before swallow-diving into the corner.

However, Phoenix didn’t have it all their own way and were forced into a desperate defence of their tryline after an error in midfield saw Harwell make significant ground. A series of crunching tackles and defensive mauls saw them maintain their 0-17 lead until halftime.

Icy rain and biting wind meant that expansive passing became a less common sight in the second period, although Phoenix continued to make inroads when they were able to spread the ball into wider channels.

Loosehead prop Luca Piemontesi crashed over from the 22-meter line after bursting through a gap in the home defence, while winger Gareth Turner produced a classy finish to round off an impressive debut.

Phoenix player-coach Tony Porter said: “The boys put in a fantastic shift in very tough conditions. Our objective for the New Year is to climb up the table.”

The traditional Phoenix ‘Unders vs Overs’ game will take place at Institute Road on 29 December.