READING Raiders slipped to an agonising 32-26 defeat at home to Oxford Cavaliers in their West of England League Super 5s clash on Saturday.

On a blustery afternoon at the Berkshire County Sports, Raiders started impressively with an early barnstorming try by centre Brad Walters converted by captain John Boucher.

However, on a day when floating passes was always going to be risky, Oxford centre and eventual man-of-the-match, Benny Davies, intercepted and ran in a long-range converted try to bring the scores level at 6-6.

Seizing the momentum, Oxford shortly followed up with a second try, this time unconverted to make it 10-6.

Raiders hit back, though, with prop Kerry O’Sullivan dotting down following a typically jinking run from loose-forward Alex Dorliac.

Boucher's conversion put the hosts in front, and following further pressure, a slick passing move ended with Tristan Carter scoring his first try for the club, Boucher again adding the extras.

At half time, Raiders seemed to be dominating the plays, but as time went on, for more than 25 minutes, they were denied scores by a tireless Oxford defence as the Reading forwards pounded the try line.

Oxford cut the gap against the run of play thanks to a second try from Davies, converted by wing Jonjo McNaulin.

Raiders responded well, however, and were rewarded with a Ben Mitchell try in the corner, from a well-timed Boucher pass, to briefly widen the gap to 22-16.

Yet Oxford's fourth try helped them level and they then moved in front with a converted score.

In the final minutes, Walters powered over with a much-needed score to offer a glimmer of hope as Raiders cut the gap to 28-26, but they were finally denied as Oxford scored from the kick-off with the final play of the game.

Reading travel to Swindon St. George in the semi-final play-off on Saturday.