READING Abbey Nuns turned on the style to thrash island visitors Guernsey 51-7 in Championship South West Two.

Four tries from fly-half Annette Tomas, allowed from a dominant platform from the pack, assured the table-toppers a hard-fought bonus-point victory in front of a record home crowd.

Early pressure from lock Nat Mitchell ensured Abbey were on the front foot, and it was not long before prop Harriet Driver crossed from close range. Subsequent team tries, finished by centre Megan Watts and Tomas, as well as a huge team effort in defence when Guernsey threatened their line, ensured a comfortable half-time lead.

The start of the second half saw a period of Nuns indiscipline, when centre Louisa Burgham was sin-binned for perceived persistent offside and Guernsey bit back with a well-worked try of their own, capitalising on their one-man advantage and a momentary lax Abbey defence.

Nuns were quick to respond, though, and replied with two tries from Tomas as well as a superb individual run from Abi Wall, having moved from flanker to centre due to a Watts injury.

Abbey continued to apply pressure and flanker Pippa Robinson stole a try from a sterling run from halfway as well as hooker Claire Stevens following a charge down which prop Jess Potter intelligently recovered.

Everything was playing the right way for the Nuns and any loose ball was pounced upon, resulting in Tomas’ fourth try which capped off a fine display from the home side.