RFU Women’s NC1 South East (North)
Finchley Phoenix 35–24 Reading Abbey

Finchley Phoenix produced a determined performance to beat third-placed Reading Abbey, despite starting with only 15 players and no replacements. An injury later reduced the Phoenix to 14, but they held their nerve to secure a hard-earned win.

The opening exchanges were even until a well-executed backs move sent Abbey debutant centre Elsa Kearsey over to the right of the posts after three minutes, 0-5. Kearsey was later named Reading Abbey’s Back of the Match.

The Phoenix forwards responded with a series of phases, led by Forward of the Match Toni Spratt and number eight Emeka Dawkins. On 32 minutes, Dawkins powered through several defenders before putting centre Eliane Estienne through a gap to score under the posts. Amelia Thompson converted to put Finchley ahead, 7–5.

Five minutes later, a well-worked move from a lineout created another opening for Estienne, who crossed again. Thompson added the conversion, and the Phoenix went into half-time with a 14–5 lead.

Abbey came out determined to get back into the game, but the Phoenix defence held firm. On 42 minutes, Estienne collected the ball on halfway and danced past several defenders to complete her hat-trick. Thompson converted to make it 21–5.

The Phoenix then came under sustained pressure against their experienced opponents. An injury, with no replacement cover available, left Finchley a player short. Abbey took advantage: Mia McCreesh scored on 45 minutes, then added another try from a scrum on 57 minutes, converting to bring the score to 21–17.

With possession proving difficult for both sides, Abbey moved ahead on 65 minutes when Carina Kwan scored from a penalty. McCreesh converted to make it 21–24.

The Phoenix refused to let their heads drop. Estienne sent centre Anne Laetitia on a barnstorming run through the defence to score out wide. Thompson added an excellent touchline conversion, restoring Finchley’s lead at 28–24.

The Phoenix kept their composure and sealed the result on 74 minutes. After another powerful run and a back-door offload from the impressive Dawkins, Paige Sargeant broke through a gap to score under the posts. Thompson converted to complete the 35–24 victory.

It was a determined performance from the Phoenix, full of bravery and excellent rugby. Finchley thank Reading Abbey for a tough contest, wish them well for the rest of the season and look forward to the return fixture.