READING RFC’s poor start to the South West One East season continued with a 20-14 reverse at home to Newbury Blues.

The Holme Park side played their full part in a well-contested game but fell behind to a fifth minute penalty which was slotted by Richard West.

However Paul Gaster’s men began to dominate the set piece, and eventually a good move involving forwards and backs led to a try for winger Ben Bethall. Fly-half Jason Donnelly put over the conversion from wide out and Reading led 7-3.

They held on to the lead until half time - despite having to do without the yellow-carded Alex Dorliac for ten minutes - but then suffered what captain Mark Roberts called “ten minutes of madness” in the second half.

From the 46th minute, the Blues scored three quick tries through winger Jamie Futcher (2) and replacement Nathan Thomas, one converted by West, to take an ultimately unassailable 20-7 lead.

Reading battled back and lock Sean Kenneally scored a try, which he fully deserved, converted by fly half Jason Donnelly, to bring Reading to six points behind with eight minutes to go.

But although Reading then had their moments, they were unable to break down the visitors’ defence again and had to settle for a losing bonus point which leaves them in the bottom three.

A disappointed Roberts said: “We showed good character and kept going to get a point from the game. We’ve got the heart, we’ve got the skill – we just have to keep working at it.”

Gaster added that his team - which is currently missing about a dozen of last year’s regulars who are either injured, retired or moved on - need to work on their ball retention.

After the match the first ever Berkshire ‘Meet the ref’ meeting took place when players, coaches, officials and supporters were all invited to a meeting with referee Grant Phillips.

This Berkshire Referee’s Society initiative was a great success as Phillips explained his refereeing philosophy and dealt openly and frankly with any issues raised with him.

Reading will search for a first win of the season at home to Witney on Saturday (3pm ko).

Matt Hulland and Gerald Hegarty are unavailable but Alex Murray-Smith returns at full back and Ashley Macnaughton, Jos Clark and Ryan Smith all come into the squad.

• Last weekend Reading Wanderers beat Chinnor 3rds 7-0, the Vikings lost 22-15 at Wallingford 2nds and the Saxons went down 57-21 at Chobham 5ths.