Rugby round-up: Phoenix RFC win feisty affair at Farnham Royal RFC

Tony Porter (with ball) scored a try in the win at Farnham Royal

Farnham Royal 13, Phoenix 24

Fixtures between Phoenix and Farnham Royal are traditionally feisty affairs, and this one was no different as Phoenix ran out 24-13 winners.

Both sets of players were eager to stamp their authority on the clash in the early stages and the Phoenix pack – so dominant in recent weeks – were relatively muted to begin with.

The home side made the most of their early territorial advantage to score the first points of the game, through the boot of flyhalf Alex King. And, in a cagey first period, the sides continued to trade points with Phoenix having the boot of Jay Henderson to thank for their 9-6 half-time advantage.

The game burst into life with a flurry of second half tries. First over the whitewash was player/coach Tony Porter who barged his way over from close range after several phases. Royal were quick to seize back momentum, however, with King going over from five metres out to bring the scores back to 13-14 following the conversion.

Phoenix then chose to spread the ball wide and their expansive play paid instant dividends with tries for scrumhalf Dave Harris and winger John Henry Kelly. There was still time for the Royal scrumhalf to be shown a red card for unleashing a verbal volley at the referee but there were no further threats to the Phoenix try line.

Phoenix 1sts entertain Harwell on Saturday and the second team go to Thatcham 3rds.

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Bicester 16-41 Windsor

Windsor moved to within a point of leaders Wallingford with Saturday’s encouraging 41-16 win at Bicester.

It took only six minutes for James Cullen to go over the whitewash at Bicester, and Cullen was at it again on the half-hour mark. Jack Gaylor swept over both conversions and Michael Curtis added a drop goal.

A third try immediately followed the restart, when Aaron McGroaty went over and there were further scores for Allen Crawshaw and Charles Lower before Phil Roberts' penalty try capped off the try scoring. Gaylor kicked three conversions in all.

It was the club’s second big win on the spin after they lost their opening match of the season 15-14 at Aylesbury.

On September 15 they thrashed Reading 48-17 away.

This Saturday they’re back in Reading again to play Reading Abbey.

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Wheatley 55-12 Drifters

Drifters  suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, going down to a heavy 55-12 defeat at Wheatley in the BB&O Premier Division.

After their relegation last season the Drifters had made a positive start to life in the BB&O Premier Division with victories over Tadley (36-14) and Risborough (19-13). The fifth placed side hosts Bletchley on Saturday.