FOR the second time this season, Reading found Swindon’s dynamic back division too much for them as the visitors ran in three first-half tries from their wings as they recorded a 25-5 success at Holme Park.

With fly half Andy Westall kicking a conversion and penalty, the visitors had 20 points by half time, although Reading also scored their try in the first half.

Swindon led 8-0 in the 17th minute when Reading were awarded a penalty. Nick Portch stepped up to take a kick for goal and he got the height, but not the direction.

It appeared a chance missed but, out of the blue, Reading wing Chris Greig (pictured) appeared in the right place at the right time to catch the ball on the run and touch down.

In many ways this try exemplified Reading’s main problem – their inability to create tries when they have possession. Much of this derives from constant changes in their midfield backs.

Over the season they have now played eight players at fly half, in 19 matches.

Usually this has meant playing someone out of position, as happened Saturday when scrum half Portch was asked to fill in.

He is undoubtedly a very good scrum half, as he was able to show in the latter stages of the match, but fly half is a difficult spot to cover.

As it happens the usually reliable Ray Mead had problems with his pass during the second half and Portch moved in to scrum half with Andy Arter, one of the coaches, coming on outside him.

This was Arter’s debut and it was immediately clear that he knew what he was doing as he put in a great cameo performance.

Nevertheless, the only second-half score came from the visitors from a line-out catch and drive try.

This defeat leaves Reading in bottom place and 15 points away from safety with seven games left.

They travel to fellow relegation candidates Windsor for a Berkshire derby on Saturday (2.30pm).