Bucks Berks and Oxon Premier League
Phoenix nil Alchester 48 pts
Alchester travelled to Phoenix last Saturday eager to eradicate the memory of their 36-33 defeat last season. They were also buoyed by the prospect of a fifth win would take them to the top of the league table ahead of recently relegated Slough. Phoenix on the other hand were returning to rugby at first XV level after a two week rest, that did little to improve their form. Availability for Phoenix has proved a problem so far this season. Neil Wyncombe in the powerhouse was severely missed as was flanker Dave Harris. Nevertheless, the home side got off to a reasonable start. The kick-off surprised Alchester with its shortness and they failed to gather, leaving the Phoenix pack to drive on with Simpson and Challis. An early penalty for handling in the loose gave Phoenix their first chance at goal but the Coltman kick went just wide. Then a few minutes later with Alchester on the attack and Phoenix exposed, Jason Townsend just failed to gather the ball for a certain interception try. But the ball went forward and Phoenix had to regroup. Alchester were unsuccessful in moving the ball wide where Matt Hood at centre for Phoenix was instrumental in defence. Neither side however was in control at this stage although one felt that Alchester were the more constructive in attack. Adam MacMillan made several forceful runs down the left wing but eventually the move broke down in the loose where Alchester were remarkably efficient at turning over possession. Alchester gradually pushed Phoenix back into their own 22 where inevitably they were forced to defend and did so in excellent fashion but they were unable to respond with any serious attacking moves of their own. The result was continual pressure on inside the Phoenix 22. Stout though their defence was, sooner or later Alchester were bound to break through. The turning point arrived however when Phoenix were a player short and Alchester struck down the left wing for their opening try just 7 minutes from half time, after Phoenix were penalised at the loose. One could not have expected a further two tries for the visitors in the remaining 6 minutes to take a 19 point lead at the break. But they did so partly due to some enterprising play and partly due to some wishful tackling from the home side. From a nil-nil scoreline with 7 minutes to the break, Phoenix found themselves 19 points adrift and a mountain to climb in the second half.
It was crucial for Phoenix to strike first after the break but Alchester continued their assault on the Phoenix line. The Phoenix defence held them out well for 10 minutes and Alchester only broke their duck with a dropped goal from point-blank range. From a 22 point deficit there was no way back for the home side although they continued to tackle bravely, they had little to offer in attack and failed to make an impression on the Alchester line. It was a tribute to the strength of the Phoenix defence that Alchester did not score a try in the second half for half an hour. Phoenix managed a final effort inside Alchester territory and came close to breaking through but the ball was turned over at centre and Alchester raced through to score another try. Matt Lugg came on at fly-half with about 10 minutes of the match remaining but the strain on the Phoenix defence began to tell in the final minutes of the match, and they were breached by some forceful Alchester forward play that took the visitors to a somewhat flattering 48 points to nil victory.
Phoenix train every Tuesday evening at 7.00 p.m. at their grounds in Institute road Taplow see www.phoenixrfc.com for further information.
Next weekend Phoenix travel to Bicester in the Bucks Berks and Oxon Premier League, kick-off 3.00 p.m. everyone is welcome.

Phoenix: E Dibb, J Winters, R Challis, A Bilson, N Coltman, I Watkinson, J Dixon, R Mitchell, L Turner, Roche, M Simpson, M Hood, A McMillan, J Townsend, B Coomber
Subs: A Jones, M Lugg
Other Results:
Phoenix 2nd XV 8 pts Thatcham 2nd XV 38 pts