Sat 16 Nov 2024
Shire Hall 33 Phoenix 26
After the disaster of last week’s match against Henley, Shire fielded a full fifteen and the luxury of a substitute. Alex Webb and Jonny Parry returned to the side after injury, the former replacing the sick Rhys Stewart and we also saw Luke Jellicoe and Ashton Field back into the fold. Early pressure by Phoenix was very much the story and it took all of Shire’s defensive qualities to keep their big mobile pack out. But on 7 minutes a minor lapse saw Shire’s line breached, and Phoenix took a 7 point lead. The first 15 minutes belonged very much to Phoenix, but it was a fortuitous piece of luck when pressure by Shire’s centres caused the ball to fall into Ashton Field’s hands. His severe pace left the Phoenix defence for dead, and he sprinted the 75 metres to the line to record his third try for the club in his third appearance. Matt Margot added the 2 points and Shire were back in the game. Shire still struggled to have much possession and another lapse in defence caused a gap which Phoenix exploited for another converted try. Luke Barefoot took one against the head and a good attacking move saw Laurie Moss break through to reduce the deficit. Matt Margot could not add the extra points but considering the amount of ball Phoenix had, Shire could be well pleased with their first half. Better support for the ball carrier was needed to maintain possession – too many players conceded turnover due to lack of support.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 12 Phoenix 14
It was clear that Shire backs were superior to Phoenix’s and the message was clear what Shire needed to do. The midfield axis of Luke Jellicoe and Laurie Moss were becoming a thorn in the Phoenix side, and it was Laurie who made a fine break to nearly score. Mr Perpetual Motion that is Gwyn Robins was on hand to crash over and with a successful conversion from Matt Margot, Shire were 5 points in the lead. A 45-metre penalty attempt from Phoenix fell short but Shire were very much in the game with some good carries from Max Davies, Ollie Homan-Green and Gwyn Robins and some sensible kicks from Alex Webb. Just after the hour though Phoenix broke through wide on the right to level the scores. It was then time for Shire to launch their now legendary catch and drive from a lineout and yet again Neil Evans duly added another trademark 5 metre try which Matt Margot converted. With 5 minutes left, Shire attempted a penalty, but Matt Margot’s effort was not one of his best. With the clock ticking nearer the end, it was Luke Jellicoe with his elusive running that sealed the victory. Phoenix were not finished though and with the last play of the game, scored their fourth try.
All in all, a deserved victory with a full 5 points gained to move up to 5th in the league. Phoenix deserved their two bonus points, but Shire’s second half display was very good. Improved tackling technique and a great defensive shift were the cornerstones of this victory. Special mention must be made to our referee from Hertfordshire who picked up infringements which normally go missed at this level.
Final Score: Shire Hall 33 Phoenix 26
Tries: Ashton Field, Laurie Moss, Gwyn Robins, Neil Evans, Luke Jellicoe
Conversions: Matt Margot (4)
MOTM: Alex Webb – a good control of the match with some clever kicks and good distribution.
DOTD: Will Myers – turned up to watch but failed to bring his kit!
