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Unstoppable Phoenix march into Plate semi-finals

Kelsea Purchall

Kelsea Purchall scores for Pencoed Phoenix

Pencoed Phoenix  carried too much fire power for Senghenydd Ladies to march into the semi-finals of the WRU Plate with a comprehensive 14-62 victory.

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Early Phoenix scrum dominance saw several chances created however the opening quarter slipped by with the match remaining scoreless.

Then Phoenix outside half Leanne Burnell took matters into her own hands, breaking out wide around the home defence before straightening up some 35 metres out to score at the posts before adding the conversion.

The pick and drive game of the Phoenix pack began to make inroads and following several strong carries from Sam Galea, Emily Hughes and Rachel Jones deep into the Senghenydd 22, sustained pressure saw scrum half Amy Stevens get the touchdown, Burnell converted.

Burnell and centre Amy Morgan combined to bring blindside wing Zoe Reeves through the midfield to get a remarkable touchdown, as if catapulted off the remaining defenders.

Another Burnell break took play back into the home 22 and supporting back row forward Galea drove over in text book fashion to score wide out.

Phoenix soon got a fifth try from Hughes, the No8 driving over in determined manner and Phoenix led 0-29 at the interval.

With the luxury of such a lead Phoenix made a host of half time changes and the replacements wasted no time in making an impact, firstly front row forward Isla Lewis who powered her way some 20 metres to take play into the home 22 before fellow replacement Kelsey Purchall timed her run to perfection onto Burnells pass to score half way out, Burnell converted.

Phoenix were now rampant and combined interplay from forwards and backs saw Hughes forcefully get her second try.

To their credit the Sirens hit back with a well-deserved try from Liane Fletcher with Sarah Harper adding a fine conversion from wide out.

Then came the try of the match, Purchall collecting a kick some 70 metres out before setting off on a counter attacking run which saw her beat several home defenders to race over for a superb try. Burnell converted.

The changes made did not detract from the Phoenix forward effort and the pack laid the foundations for the next score, Galea, Stevens, and Burnell handling swiftly to put Nat O’Shea in possession and O’Shea, switched from hooker to centre, needed no second invitation to storm over, Burnell adding the extras.

The Sirens then got their second try from right wing Stephanie Rees showing good pace to score at the posts, Harper converted.

Phoenix were to have the final say however, Burnell capitalizing on a loose home pass to score at the posts before adding the conversion.

Sam Galea was chosen as best Phoenix forward with Amy Morgan playing in the unfamiliar role of centre as best Phoenix back. For Senghenydd Liane Fletcher and Sarah Harper were chosen as best forward and back respectively.

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