PHOENIX second team have suffered a narrow 32-31 defeat at the hands of Egham at Institute Road on Saturday.

The two sides have met twice already this season and the previous games were always closely contested affairs.

Phoenix took to the field with high expectations following a recent narrow loss against Windsor, and if they could show the same commitment it would stand them in good stead.

Egham took the lead early on when the hosts were guilty of being on the wrong side at the ruck and the penalty was duly converted.

A bulldozing run from the Egham inside centre set up their first try. He took quick ball from the number 10 and powered his way over the line leaving the Phoenix defence in his wake.

A combination of great play from the away team’s defence and centres fed a rapid winger who stormed over the try line and increase the advantage to 13-0.

Quick ruck ball then saw the Phoenix backs run a superb move allowing Chris Harrison to cross for his side’s opening score.

But, Egham crossed just before the break putting them into a commanding 20-5 lead at half-time.

Changing their tactics to a driving game, the forwards were beginning to get the match back into the favour of Phoenix and it was not long before they crossed the line. Keith Nash got the first of his two tries to reduce the deficit.

Again the hosts drove at Egham and good offloads saw Phoenix stopped just short of the line. As the ball popped out, Dan Symonds picked up and crossed the try line close to the uprights. The conversion from Paul Byrne took Phoenix just one point behind at 20-19.

The home team were not done yet and, from a ruck, Nash picked up the ball and drove at the line for his second try. His side were now in the lead for the first time in the game at 26-20.

The Phoenix backs then had their moment of glory. A ball moved wide saw Alex McKeown step inside his man and get over the line.

Phoenix had battled hard to get themselves back into the match but were showing obvious signs of getting tired. This allowed Egham to cross out wide after quick ball was sent wide for the speedy winger.

Egham were now chasing the game and again breached the hosts’ defence. A missed tackle allowed them the winning try and, with the match hinging on the conversion, the kicker kept his cool to slot between the posts and take the spoils.

Phoenix second team, currently in fourth place in BBO Division Four South, are away to league leaders Reading Abbey 3s this Saturday.

The first team can secure the BBO Championship title with two points from the home match against Berkshire Shire Hall on Saturday (3pm).

Windsor and Maidenhead return to action in South West One East on Saturday after a week of rest.

Maidenhead, victorious in each of their last five home games, welcome top-of-the-table Towcestrians to Braywick Park (3pm).

Windsor have won each of their last three matches at Home Park and host Grove (3pm).

Drifters need to recover a six-point deficit to third from bottom Thatcham to avoid relegation from Southern Counties North. They host Bicester on Saturday (2pm).

Slough can record a third consecutive win at Tamblyn Fields with victory over Wheatley in the BBO Premier (2.15pm).