READING Abbey crashed to their heaviest Southern Counties North defeat of the season as they failed to contain a lively Aylesbury side who revelled in the width of their new artificial pitch, running in six tries to the visitors' one in a dominant 47-11 triumph.

Abbey actually started well, and earned six consecutive penalties in their opponents' half, although they failed to capitalise with a try despite repeatedly kicking to the corner.

However, they did leave with the lead, a Diego de Marcilla Bahlsen penalty putting them 3-0 to the good.

The lead was soon wiped out, though, as a wayward kick from Abbey failed to find touch and elusive running and quick hands put over wing Alex Shearer wide out. From the touchline he added the extras, and Aylesbury were 7-3 in front.

The home side went down to 14 men after their scrum half was sin-binned, but they held Abbey at bay and managed to add a penalty themselves to extend their lead to seven points.

The game then moved decisively in the home side’s favour as wayward passes and kicks presented Aylesbury with opportunities.

Making the most from broken play, Aylesbury grabbed their second try and two more Shearer penalties pushed his side 21-3 in front.

So, Abbey despite having the better of the play, with full back Gavin Dampies and centre Arron Ross busy with threatening runs, and captain Will Woodward – having switched from his normal No. 8 role to inside centre – regularly breaking the gain line, Abbey had nothing to show other than a de Marcilla Bahlsen penalty on the stroke of half time.

With the turnaround score 21-6, Abbey were expected to adjust to the home side's running and handling and narrow the score during the second period.

Like the first half, Abbey’s start was bright, forcing a penalty chance that went wide, but just short of the hour, hooker Mark Toland was yellow-carded for a high tackle which allowed Aylesbury to take full advantage of the extra man as Shearer crossed before their forwards went over from close range for a fourth try, Shearer again adding the extras.

The hosts had their tails up as Abbey’s defence was stretched and pulled apart, and Shearer took advantage in some style.

He ran in a further two tries in the final quarter to take his tally to four, converting both to put the visitors to the sword and end with a remarkable match-haul of 37 points.

And while Abbey bagged a late unconverted try from Ross, it was barely a consolation.

Reading Abbey host second-placed Buckingham on Saturday (2.30pm).