READING Abbey fell to a first Southern Counties North defeat of the season after they were edged out 34-31 at home to Aylesbury.

The visitors took a fifth-minute lead through an unconverted Alex Shearer try, but Abbey hit back as Ben Mitchell crossed with Rob Bryson converting.

Shearer kicked a penalty, but a fine converted George House try made it 14-8 to the hosts.

Yet Alex Inglis scored Aylesbury’s second try – converted by Shearer – to put them 15-14 ahead at the break.

A Connor Gould try extended the lead, but tries from Will Woodward and Mitchell made it 24-20.

However, in the last 10 minutes, Gould and James Woodfall went over for converted scores and Woodward’s second proved merely a consolation.

  • BERKSHIRE Shire Hall endured a 46-17 home defeat to Risborough in their opening BB&O Championship game.

They will hope to bounce back at Aldermaston this coming Saturday