Phoenix Firsts came away from local rivals Goole with only a losing bonus point to show for their efforts from a game they know they could and should have won.

Phoenix started brightly and full-back George Hotchen (pictured) slotted over his first of four penalties after only five minutes to open up a three point lead.

The hosts had the better of the next 15 minutes applying pressure on the Phoenix line but the defence was strong and the hosts could only pick up a three pointer themselves on 20 minutes to even up the score.

The remainder of the half mainly saw Phoenix on the front foot, but they were unable to secure really good attacking positions and get over the Goole line. Thankfully the trusty boot of Hotchen putting over two more penalties late in the half gave Phoenix an interval lead of 3-9.

The first ten minutes of the second period were perhaps the turning point in the game as the home side turned pressure into points picking up a penalty within minutes of the restart and then a converted try on 20 minutes to edge ahead for the first time in the game at 13-9.

A scuffle them saw a Goole forward seeing red for foul play on 55 minutes and Phoenix took advantage when winger Kieran Phillips went over for an unconverted try to restore a narrow 13-14 lead.

The dismissal should have opened up gaps for Phoenix but it was Goole who seized the momentum, carelessness and ill-discipline from the visitors saw them to concede both a penalty and another converted try in quick succession - Goole now lead 23-14 with 15 minutes on the clock - still time for Phoenix to steal a win.

Hotchen did add his fourth penalty of the game - but that was it for Phoenix - a final score of 23-17 -- a result that sees the team drop to bottom spot in the league table, with Goole leap-frogging them.

A better day though for Phoenix Seconds who took a mix of old heads and youthful skill over to face a lively Leeds Medics side in a friendly fixture.

After two weeks off the lads were keen to make up for lost time and did so by winning 36-0 -- a pleasing result and one to build on with a busy fixture list over the coming weeks.

And finally on Sunday the Demons First XV travelled to Lincoln but came back empty handed after a 22-12 defeat - a result that puts them in fourth position in the NC1 Midlands (North) table --- they travel to face fifth placed Derby away on Sunday 24th November.