READING Raiders finished top of Pool B in the West of England League after overcoming Oxford Cavaliers 30-24 on Saturday.

The Raiders knew victory would seal top spot and they duly delivered to avenge their 36-24 defeat to Cavaliers earlier this month.

The margin of victory meant, despite falling to second in Pool B, Oxford won the inaugural Thames Valley Cup over two legs.

But this was scant consolation for the hosts as Raiders will take the greater momentum into the upcoming Super 5s competition.

The first 40 minutes of the clash at Oxford was tight, with Raiders captain John Boucher opening the scoring with an 80-metre interception try followed by his first of five conversions.

The Cavaliers levelled the scores before the interval, then drew first blood in the second half to steal the lead.

But Raiders centre Brad Walters soon restored parity getting down low to scurry over the line from a metre out.

Raiders’ top try scorer, Luke Schofield, then put his side in front with a superb solo effort, receiving the ball from a scrum and slicing through the home defence from 35 metres out.

Raiders were dealt a hammer blow as Oxford scored two tries in as many minutes to wipe out the away side’s short-lived lead.

However, the visitors regrouped and levelled again when Alex French drove through a gap from close range before dabbing down.

And, with just minutes remaining, full back Schofield raced away on the left wing to notch the winning try for Raiders, who had to borrow shirts from Oxford after forgetting their own.

Raiders head coach, Karl Temata, said: “This was the hardest match we have had all season, so we were happy with the win and finishing top of the pool.

“There was never more than six points in it at any time and it tested us physically.

"Our forwards performed very well with some heavy tackles and powerful runs. There were some vital tries from our backs and great individual efforts."

Raiders play their first game of the Super Fives against Swindon St George at Supermarine RFC this Saturday when the Kennet Cup will be up for grabs (2.30pm ko).

Temata added: “This week at training is all about raising the level. We will continue with the team skills, drills and structure we have used so far, but will focus on how we go to the next level.

"This extra level is all that will separate teams in the next phase and is what is needed to get to the Grand Final."