A STRONG second-half performance helped Windsor romp away to a comfortable victory against South West One East basement-dwellers Reading on Saturday.

An even first half saw Reading go into the break with a 10-8 advantage, but Windsor became increasingly dominant in the second period. Their outstanding fly half, Ben Grant-Adamson, kicked two early second-half penalties before converting two of the three tries subsequently scored as 25 unanswered points were added.

Reading’s inability to cope with the second-half pressure was disappointing, as they had performed well in the first part of the game.

They started well and had the home team on the back foot for the first quarter. Nevertheless, it was Windsor who took a 15th-minute lead with a 45-yard penalty from Grant-Adamson. They then followed this up with a well-worked try for wing James Howard.

Within minutes Reading came back with a try from the outstanding Charlie Davies, who followed up a kick ahead, recovered the ball and ran 40 metres for the try, converted by Andy Arter.

The kicker, making his first start for Reading, followed this up with a successful penalty to take Reading into the lead at the interval.

The second half, however, belonged to Windsor. Grant-Adamson soon had two successful penalties under his belt and there was no going back from there, with three home tries to follow.

First it was sheer pressure that led eventually to a try for centre Matt Balmer, converted by Grant-Adamson.

Then, from a Windsor scrum 15 yards out, No. 8 Aaron McGroaty picked up and opened up the line for scrum half Rhys Davies to cross the whitewash.

To their credit, with newcomer Matt Hills now on as Reading’s ninth fly half of the season, Reading staged a comeback, coming close to scoring before Howard raced from deep inside his own half for a solo try, converted by Grant-Adamson.

Jon Cranton, playing his 100th game for the visitors, led well from flanker, Alex Watson at hooker impressed and Nick Portch did well at scrum half.

Windsor, however, displayed greater power and penetration and will be happy with their bonus-point win.

Reading are now 19 points adrift at the foot of the table, and with only six games remaining, relegation looks a near certainty.

They do not have a game this weekend, returning to action at home to Banbury on Saturday, March 4.

  • BERKSHIRE Shire Hall lost 31-0 to BB&O Championship leaders Littlemore.

Shire Hall visit Oxford on Saturday.