READING Raiders romped to a first ever away win in their inaugural West of England League game against Southampton Spitfires.

The first 40 minutes was a nip-and-tuck affair with Raiders 6-4 up, but a fantastic second-half display saw Reading keep Southampton scoreless and win 28-4 in the club’s season opener.

What made the victory all the more remarkable was the Raiders had 14 debutants in their 17-man squad, nine of whom were playing their first ever rugby league game after only three pre-season training sessions.

Reading were first to get on the scoreboard when second row Ruan Beukes burrowed over from close range after Lewis Chick had set the attacking platform with a clever ball steal.

Southampton hit back shortly before half time but failed with their conversion attempt.

Raiders extended their lead when captain John Boucher’s bomb was fumbled by a Spitfires player and stand-off Jake Findlay dribbled the ball past the Southampton defence and dotted down.

Jab Siwela was next to get in on the scoring act in the 64th minute when he kept his legs driving to beat a few defenders on the right wing and Boucher slotted over the third of his four conversions.

Chick capped off an outstanding debut at hooker shortly after Siwela’s try by scoring on the blindside after Southampton gave away a sloppy penalty.

Full back Luke Schofield then wrapped up the win with a superb solo try, finding gaps through the middle of the pitch to run 70 metres to the try line.

Reading’s new head coach, Karl Temata, himself taking charge of the Raiders for the first time, said: “Overall, it was a good effort, particularly for some of our players who had never played rugby league before.

“It was pleasing to see the basics we had covered in the last three weeks in training were put into practice and were not forgotten.”

Raiders play their first home game in the West of England League this Saturday, hosting the United Services Portsmouth Seahawks at Berkshire County Sports Club (2pm).

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Raiders, email readingroyalsrlfc@gmail.com