Pencoed storm back to record victory

The north Walians appeared to be in control with a 21-7 lead but Pencoed stormed back to win an entertaining encounter.
 
The visitors raced into a 0-14 lead in the opening quarter with two converted tries from full back Beth Davies who 24 hours earlier had been with the Welsh squad at Cardiff Arms Park.
 
Phoenix hit back following sustained pressure with a try from right wing Linzi Morgan. Despite being well in the match territorially, Phoenix fell further behind when failing to deal with the oppositions kick ahead and Molly Shuttleworth raced over, Davies slotting her third conversion and the home side found themselves 7-21 in arrears at the break.
 
Phoenix started the second half well and strong carries from front row forwards Lucy Cahil and Jody Jordan deep in the Cofis 22 saw the ball recycled and left wing Zoe Reeves raced over wide out.
 
Reeves soon got a second try following driving runs from second rows Emily Hughes and Rachel Jones and at 17-21 down Phoenix sensed an opportunity.
 
The home side were now becoming increasingly dominant, winning phase after phase and creating chances. With the home support now on tenterhooks it was not until the 79th minute that Phoenix got the all-important bonus point try, Jordan crashing over to put her side in the lead for the first time in the match, Leanne Burnell adding a fine conversion.
 
Phoenix were now in no  mood to let this one slip and played out injury time with no real scares to seal a remarkable comeback.
 
For the Cofis, Welsh squad member Brea Leung was prominent throughout, with Davies always a threat at full back with her counter attacking play, both players in contention for the visitors player of the match, however this accolade went to diminutive pacey wing , Grace Johns.
 
For Phoenix, the versatile Natalie O’Shea starting as a flanker in this matc, gave her usual all action performance and was chosen best player in what was a superb all round team effort.