Sat 24 Oct 2026
It had been a slow start to the season with only one match being played so far after Reading III conceded to us and the match against Farnham Royal was postponed. Shire were looking to continue their good start but were facing league leaders Phoenix who had demolished Shire at the end of last season. The unavailability of some key regulars meant some new faces pulling on Shire’s brand new kit but still Shire had a full squad. There were debuts for Andy Scanlon, Thomas Williams and Michael Tripsa and welcome returns for Ritchie Denver, Luke Griffith and an added bonus of Will Jellicoe. This was also Gwyn Robins’ 50th Club appearance.
Weather conditions were not conducive to open rugby, but both sides coped well with the conditions. It was apparent that Phoenix’s game plan was to use their big forwards to crash through, but Shire’s tackling was immense. Every Phoenix attack was thwarted by intense legal tackling which forced Phoenix to make mistakes and give away penalties. After 15 minutes and after the referee had given Phoenix a warning, it was almost inevitable that the yellow card was shown to an unfortunate Phoenix player. As Andy Scanlon discovered, kicking for touch against the wind was not really an option as his first effort virtually went sideways! Therefore, all future penalties were taken with quick taps which proved to be a wise decision. Three minutes later and Shire would capitalise on the numerical advantage when, after a series a close range drives, it was veteran Ritchie Denver that crashed over to give Shire the lead. Billy Wigley successfully added the extras, and it wasn’t long before Shire extended their lead when good passing in the backs saw speedster Michael Tripsa, on his debut, sprint clear of the Phoenix defence to touch down under the posts. Billy Wigley added the conversion to give Shire a 14 point lead. Lineouts were going well with good possession gained by Gwyn Robins and Jacob Kenny. Phoenix did not capitulate and now they were forcing Shire to give away penalties. Consequently, after a team warning, it was the unlucky Ritchie Denver who was sent to the naughty step. The last play of the half saw Phoenix get on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 14 Phoenix 3
Half time saw the introduction of Neil Evans, Luke Jellicoe and Rhys Stewart to replace Matt Choules, Billy Wigley and Alex Webb. It was vital that Shire needed to maintain the intensity of the first half and now they were playing with the wind behind them. Once Ritchie Denver’s yellow card had expired, he was replaced by the returning Luke Griffith. It was very pleasing to watch from the sidelines the quality of Shire’s play. Will Jellicoe and Rory Mears made good ground, and I am told that the counter ruck on Phoenix’s ball was brilliantly executed by Luke Barefoot (I have been told to include this by the captain!). Phoenix were unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage and it was live wire Andy Ryan who went over to extend Shire’s lead. Rhys Stewart added the extra points to give Shire a fairly comfortable cushion. But this did not mean Shire sat back. Debutant Andy Scanlon was running the show from 10 with good ball provided by Kris Sharma. For the first time in many moons, we saw the boot being used to good effect by Andy Scanlon as Phoenix were forced back towards their line. After 65 minutes, Shire secured the try bonus when Luke Griifith appeared from nowhere to score, with Rhys Stewart adding the conversion. To give Phoenix credit, they kept on trying to break Shire’s defence but as had been the case throughout the game, Shire’s tackling was fantastic. With the game in the final two minutes, a scrum on the Phoenix 5 metre line provided Kris Sharma enough space for his third try of the season. Another successful conversion from Rhys Stewart and the win was sealed. But Phoenix did not want to play out the final seconds as they pounded Shire’s line forcing Shire to give away many penalties. Consequently, poor old Harry Stubbs went sent to the bin for a high tackle. Credit to Phoenix to continue to try and score but it was not their day.
This was a great result against a strong team, but Shire fully deserved the win. There were good individual performances throughout the team. Big shout out to Thomas Williams who played out of position on the flank and acquitted himself very well. The next two games against fellow high flyers Bracknell III and Aldermaston will test Shire’s resolve and could shape the season.
Final Score: Shire Hall 35 Phoenix 3
Tries: Ritchie Denver, Michael Tripsa, Andy Ryan, Luke Griffith, Kris Sharma
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (3), Billy Wigley (2)
MOTM: Andy Scanlon – controlled the game superbly
DOTD: Ritchie Denver – yellow card (Could have been you Harry!)
