The visitors’ backs had frittered away possession before half time so they concentrated on using the forwards in the second half and the pressure told. Gradually, Reading had less of the ball and found themselves defending against forward drives.

On 60 minutes the visitors caught and drove a lineout for a try, converted by scrum half Calum Gillie. Reading began to give away penalties under pressure, leading to two being off with yellow cards at the same time. The visitors’ next try came from a drive at a five metre scrum and then, right on full time and in a similar position, Reading conceded a penalty try which was converted to level the scores. Fortunately for Reading the final whistle then blew – bringing welcome relief to a side who had appeared to have the game sewn up half an hour earlier.

On the plus side Reading did score five tries. The first, from winger Dan Witko, came after a pick up from No. 8 Tim Macnaughton from a scrum. Good support play eventually led to Macnaughton supplying the scoring pass to the charging Witko. The second try came from a lineout catch and drive, with prop Ryan Smith touching down. By now Reading were well on top and, with the referee’s decisions going their way, they took control.

The third try came from a straightforward passing move with winger Martin Shaw evading the cover and scampering over to make it 15-0. Reading were flying but things began to change as the visitors scored on what was almost their first incursion into the Reading 22, flanker Lawrence Brown touching down.

Nevertheless, Reading came back with their fourth try. They ran line-out ball along the backs and controlled the ball well through several phases before Peter Czernuszka ran a good line to score. So by now Reading had four tries, but no conversions, and the visitors narrowed the gap with a penalty before half time.

Reading continued to dominate early in the second half and another Czernuszka try, following a good burst by Dan Witko, was converted by Steve Mills to give Reading what looked to be a comfortable 27-8 lead. But Buckingham began to assert themselves up front, kept the pressure on, scored three tries and two conversions and finished the match on the front foot. By the end Reading had to be grateful for what they got.

What Reading did get was another bonus point, meaning they have accumulated more bonus points than any other team in the division.

However, they face a very difficult visit to top team Chippenham – who have won all 10 of their games this season – this Saturday (2.30pm), and will again be missing flanker Grant Spears, centre Alex Dorliac and lock Sean Kenneally.