Phoenix RFC concede eight tries in shut-out defeat to Drifters RFC

Drifters RFC 47, Phoenix RFC 0

Newly-promoted Phoenix followed up their opening day defeat to Didcot last week with a shutout loss at the hands of rivals Drifters on Saturday – conceding eight tries in the process.

The Institute Road club were promoted at the end of last season after comfortably winning the BB&O Championship, while Drifters from Farnham Common were relegated from Southern Counties North – and the gap between the two teams showed.

The two teams had not met for three seasons but it was Drifters who settled more quickly and were a threat especially through their backline.

The hosts led 34-0 at half-time following two tries from Bradley Parker, and one apiece for Simon Heeks, Carl Corcoran, Andrew Coombes and Adam Kalinowski.

Phoenix put up a more spirited, resilient effort in the second period conceding just two touchdowns both scored by Rob Willis.

W Phoenix 2nds crushed Slough 2nds 51-15 in a friendly on Saturday.

The contest was due to be a BB&O Division 4 South clash, but Slough could only raise 12 players and no front row so Phoenix accepted the points and instead agreed to a friendly.

Phoenix's eight tries came from Ben Wood (4), Edmund Doherty, Jason Morris, Dave Marsden and James Atkins.