The North Wales side were swiftly out of the blocks in athletics and Welsh International Jenny Davies crossed wide out in the opening minutes. The visitors soon increased their lead with a superb solo effort from Lauren Hassett, the centre evading the grasp of a couple of Phoenix tacklers in her own 22 before racing away from 80 metres to score for the home side to find themselves 10 points down in as many minutes.
Combined play from Nerys Lloyd, Rhianydd Morgan and Natalie O’Shea then took play into the visitors half and Phoenix worked Zoe Reeves away, the left wing brought down deep in the visitors 22, before sister Lowri Reeves crashed over in the corner, unfortunately for Phoenix her effort ruled out.
Phoenix continued on the attack and despite constant pressure on the Caernarfon line could not break down a determined visitors defence. Caernarfon then somewhat against the run of play got their third try from Teleri Davies on the counter, Phoenix perhaps a little unfortunate to trail by 15 points at this juncture.
Stephanie Edmunds then did well at the restart to catch the visitors full back in possession in her own 22 and Phoenix camped in the red zone until the interval, and despite determined efforts from O’Shea and Hannah Seward the visitors kept their line intact.
Full back Seward put Phoenix on the attack with a mazy counter attacking run before driving play from Lowri Reeves set up the platform for the opening Phoenix try, scrum half Amy Stevens taking her chance to score under the posts, Seward adding the extras.
With Phoenix returning to the attack following a kick from Morgan the ball broke for the dangerous Hassett and for the second time in the match the centre raced away from her own 22 to strike a killer blow with a try under the posts, Iona Evans converting and Caernarfon led 7-22.
Phoenix to their credit fought back immediately, skipper Katie Murphy and Morgan handling before a kick and chase from Lloyd paid dividends, the centre following up to claim the touchdown under the posts, before adding the conversion. At 14-22 unfortunately for Phoenix the visitors were to have the final say with a try from their New Zealand number 8, surprisingly named Olwen Jones!
For Phoenix Amy Stevens was chosen as best forward for her contribution at No 8 with Rhianydd Morgan as best back. For Caernarfon Jenny Davies was chosen as best forward with Olwen Jones as best back.
On Sunday Phoenix host Ynysddu in a National League Division 1 match.
