READING’S poor run in 2018 continued as high-flying Aylesbury secured a 29-14 bonus point win on their first league visit to Holme Park.

The home side were quick off the mark and took the lead early on when a tenth minute penalty was comfortable slotted by Nick Porch.

But, having struggled to piece together their defence, Reading went down after Aylesbury scored a well worked try.

The visitors piled on the pressure and, following a line-out catch and drive the ball was whipped out to the fly-half who nipped through the defence and touching down a converted try.

Reading fought back viciously and on the half hour drove over a five-metre line-out with hooker Alex Watson claiming the five points.

However, they were then unable to hold onto the lead and just before half time the visitors drove a lineout over for a try, leaving it 12-8 at the break.

The second half saw Reading concede two converted tries and a penalty as the visitors took control of the match.

A positive for the home side was when they brought on new fly-half Lloyd Thomas, who showed that he had a powerful boot, both from the ground and through the air.

Some good steepling kicks gave his side an extra attacking ploy and he kicked two long-range penalties leaving Reading with hope of a late heist.

His second converted penalty on 75 minutes put Reading just eight points behind with five minutes on the clock but an Ayelsbury try late into the game settled matters.

Reading: Mitchell, Proctor-Searle, Murray-Smith, Gilmour, Greig, Clark, Portch, Pallett, Watson, Nicol, Lee, Chapman, Taylor Mcroberts, Spears, Davies. Reps: Johnson, Koefman, Thomas.