The positives for Phoenix were the promise of Jamie Jones and the return to the side of young Becca Pope in a game which was generally evenly balanced.
Phoenix opened well carrying the ball through the phases but the North Wales side looked solid in defence. Phoenix centre Katie Murphy put in a big early hit on her opposite number in midfield and following a take against the head scrum half Sam Trickey was adjudged to be held up over the Caernarfon line.
Phoenix props Michele Halse and Michaela Excell then showed good hands to put wing Leanne Burnell in possession, the wing just pushed out of play. Toni Birch and Murphy were then prominent in the tackle area.
The visitors then caught Phoenix cold at a quick tap-penalty and scrum half Jess Kavanagh raced away from 50 metres to score, Sera Bailey adding the conversion. Kavanagh was soon in the action again catching the Phoenix defence flat with a short kick over the top to win the chase for the touchdown and two tries in two minutes saw Phoenix 3-12 down at the break.
Phoenix failed to gather the second half restart and play swept to their line, Cenin Eifion capitalizing to cross in the corner.
Phoenix newcomer Jamie Jones then showed her appetite for the game making two tackles in swift succession to outline her promise at centre. Trickey and Burnell were again prominent with kick and chases, but it was not to be Phoenix’s day, with Excell and Birch added to the already lengthy Phoenix injury list, not taking anything from the visitors who ran out deserved winners.
Caernarfon stalwart Eifion Harding picked out his inexperienced wings Elen Evans and Caryl Hughes for special mention.
For Phoenix up front Hannah Brunskill, Charlotte Mundy,Natalie O’Shea, & Captain Lowri Reeves gave their usual commited performances, with Burnell, Jones, Murphy, & Trickey doing well behind.
On Sunday Pencoed Phoenix host Croesyceiliog in National League Division 1.
