READING RFC went down to a fourth defeat in five matches as they were narrowly defeated 24-20 by Wallingford in their Southern Counties North battle at Sonning Lane, with the result highlighting a real problem for the coaching staff – the lack of consistency.

A month ago, when Reading played well in defeat against Beaconsfield and comfortably beat Stow-0n-the-Wold, it seemed progress was being made.

The defeat at Thatcham was disappointing while not being totally unexpected, but mid-table Wallingford at Holme Park is a game coach Ben Wills clearly expected to win.

In the end, however, it was the extra power of the visitors’ forwards which saw them home.

Also key was a decision, 10 minutes from time, to take a quick tap penalty which led to a knock-on.

The penalty was kickable and would have given Reading a two-point lead. This still would not have been enough to negate Wallingford’s last minute penalty, however.

Both sides scored three tries. Nick Portch converted one and kicked a penalty for Reading, while Wallingford’s Phil Dawes missed all his conversion attempts but kicked three penalties.

Reading could not have started the game better as they drove their first attacking line-out, caught by Fraser Koefman and touched down by second row Ryan Smith. Portch converted and it was 7-0 to the hosts.

Wallingford came more and more into the game, though, and a smart kick ahead by fly half Tom Swanston brought a try for wing Rees Arnold.

Reading scored next following a charge down by No. 8 Adam Veale and a kick by Portch to the corner, the ever-alert winger James Mitchell touching down.

However, by half time 12-5 to the good became 15-12 down as Wallingford drove through for two tries.

Reading started the second half as they had the first, with a quick try. The move started from inside their own half as Koefman set wing Chris Greig free.

The speedster raced for the line and, when challenged, passed to Koefman who made the line for a well-taken try.

Five minutes later Portch kicked another penalty, set up by a great 30 yard drive from Alex Dorliac, a kick from Portch and a run from Mitchell.

Wallingford’s forwards then kept them in the game with their driving play leading to penalties, and with three of these kicked, the visitors took the spoils.

  • BERKSHIRE Shire Hall were thrashed 58-5 by Oxford in the BB&O Championship.