PENCOED PHOENIX .. 45 PONTARDULAIS LADIES ........................... 5

PRIOR to kick-off the two teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of Welsh international Elli Norkett whose life was taken in a road accident over the weekend.

Phoenix dominated the early scrums against the visitors, Pontardulais, a young development side at this senior level.

Phoenix opened the scoring through their backs Rhian Nokes and Lauren Aitken for Leanne Burnell to race over, Nokes added the conversion.

Phoenix soon got a second, Zoe Reeves doing well to win the race for the touchdown following a Nokes kick.

Phoenix again moved the ball wide and Burnell gave the scoring pass to young Megan Batacan for her first senior Phoenix try.

Skipper Katie Murphy then initiated the next try before reappearing in the move to run in from 30 metres, Nokes converted.

Phoenix were now playing with confidence and Charlotte Mundy took on the defence from halfway and an arcing run saw her score at the posts, Mundy converted and Phoenix led 31-0 at the interval.

Murphy was enjoying one of her best games, again breaking away from halfway before linking with her backs to put Phoenix into the visitors 22 and sustained pressure saw Megan Whittaker break and the looping Megan Griffiths raced around under the posts, Nokes converted.

The visitors then got a deserved score much to their delight, the young side battling hard. Caitlin Smith then showed her considerable potential with a strong run from 22 metres out to score at the posts, Mundy converted.

For the visitors, No 8 Sioned Young was chosen best forward with Bethan Jones best back.

For Phoenix, Charlotte Mundy was picked as best forward with Rhiannydd Morgan as best back.

Pencoed Phoenix U15s also enjoyed success on the day with a 46-0 win at Gowerton.

Jess Tuck, after playing only one month of rugby, was chosen as Phoenix player of the match.