Sat 13 Dec 2025
Shire Hall 27 Phoenix 18
The last time these two sides met last season, there were two very competitive games resulting in two wins for Shire. This time Shire were looking to build on the fine performance against Wallingford last week with another win. Once again Shire were able to field a full team with their own version of the bomb squad on the bench. There was a return from injury for Shire’s version of the Black Knight (IYKYK!) in Jamie Perry and cameos for Shire Hall veterans, Chris Wiseman and Tom Birch. Without the availability of a recognised scrum half, Luke Barefoot turned back time to fill the role on his 100th 1st XV appearance. From the outset, Shire knew this would be no walkover and the strong running of two of the Phoenix forwards and a powerful centre would pose a few problems. The tone was set early on by Shire’s superb tackling, especially by Dan Smedley and Matt Brazier. Phoenix took the lead after 7 minutes with a simple penalty goal and increased their lead after 14 minutes when a fumbled pass from Luke Barefoot to Billy Wigley found its way to a delighted Phoenix player who must have thought that Christmas had come early! Shire then came back into the game with some good play, but their last pass let them down. A great run from Alex Webb nearly produced a score but he was forced out just before the line. Shire got on the scoresheet on the half hour when a good drive from Ollie Homan-Green resulted in Dan Smedley going over which was converted by Billy Wigley. Unfortunately, Ollie was forced to leave the field after a blow to the head and was replaced by Henry Bayston. Just before half time, Phoenix extended their lead after a good pick up from the base of the scrum by their No.8 created space for their winger to go over wide on the right.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 7 Phoenix 13
Half time saw the introduction of bomb squad of Joe Tett, Ed Gallen and Jamie Perry. It was clear that the passing and offload had to improve if Shire were going to win the game. It didn’t help matters that 10 minutes into the half Billy Wigley was sent to the naughty step for his second clumsy high tackle. But 5 minutes later, an incisive run by Joe Tett created space for Tom Overend to go over for his first try of the season. The difficult conversion attempt by Laurie Moss only just missed but Shire were now only 1 point behind. Phoenix exploited the man advantage by scoring again to extend their lead. Some ferocious tackling by Shire and in particular some bulldozing by Jamie Perry resulted in several Phoenix players forced to leave the field. The turning point of the game came with 15 minutes left when a Phoenix player was shown a red card for some misdemeanour which was missed by the crowd. Jamie Pedder, Tom Birch and Chris Wiseman all the entered the field and made good contributions. With 5 minutes left, Matt Margot stole the ball at a fumbled lineout to record his 91st try for the club. No conversion but Shire were looking to press home their man advantage and it came soon when another telling run from Joe Tett produced space for Matt Brazier to record his 1st try for the club. Yet again no conversion but Shire were now in the lead. Then Jamie Perry was forced to leave the field with severe cramp – it had been an explosive return for him. Phoenix thought they had won the game when they broke through but it was disallowed by the referee because a superb tackle by Jamie Pedder had forced the Phoenix player into touch. There was nearly time for another try when a very clever kick infield by Tom Overend nearly produced a try, but a Phoenix player got there first. In the last minute Shire sealed the victory when yet another good break by Joe Tett put Billy Wigley into space and he went over for his 3rd try of the season.
This was a hard-fought victory, highlighted by Shire’s excellent defensive work against a powerful Phoenix side. The result takes Shire up to 4th in the league – two weeks ago, we were 9th. Next up is a trip to High Wycombe but we will be without our students who are all going home to get their washing done and to be fed properly! A big shout out to our referee today who was superb throughout and deserves to referee at a higher level.
Final Score: Shire Hall 27 Phoenix 18
Tries: Dan Smedley, Tom Overend, Matt Margot, Matt Brazier, Billy Wigley
Conversion: Billy Wigley
MOTM: Dan Smedley – his best performance for Shire (Special mentions to Matt Brazier and Joe Tett)
DOTD: Billy Wigley – yellow card and another afternoon without his kicking boots!
