However, the home team were always in the game and pulled back with a converted try just before half time.

More alarming for Reading, however, were injuries at that time which prevented centre Peter Czernuszka and full-back Alex Dorliac, already a try scorer, from playing in the second half.

With the three substitutes all forwards, flanker Matt Witko went to the wing, fellow flanker Grant Spears to centre and winger Stuart Borthwick to full-back.

But the loss of two key players inevitably affected Reading’s attack and defence and it was no surprise when Grove winger Guy Nicholl drove through for an unconverted try early in the second half.

Reading still had the lead, 13-12, but with a whole half still to play, the omens were not good. Yet the team knuckled down to the task, tackled exceptionally well and refused to buckle under persistent pressure.

Paul Gaster said: “I cannot fault any player. It was a great backs-to-the-wall performance.”

But with 25 minutes to go, Harry Carr kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to give the home side a narrow lead. By now Reading were forced to concentrate largely on defensive duties but, as time went on, defending the bonus point became an important goal.

As the game moved into the 80th minute, Reading were defending well and the minimum target, the bonus point, seemed to be in the bag. However, Oxfordshire referee Simon Blake somehow found 20 minutes of stoppage time.

Fortunately for Reading, Carr pulled two attempted penalty kicks wide and the visitors held on for the bonus point.

Reading had dominated the start, running with pace and power.

Witko’s early penalty put them in front then Dorliac turned up at pace to finish a move after Reading had turned the ball over. Then moments later Sean Kenneally crashed over after good running from the forwards for a 13-0 lead.

But a converted try pulled Grove back to 13-7 at the break and the hosts took full avantage of a depleted Reading in the second half to secure the win.

Reading: Dorliac, Shaw, Witko, Czernuszka, Borthwick, Murray-Smith, Harding, Roberts (capt), Willcock, Smith, Twining, Kenneally, Macnaughton, Spears, Macnaughton.Reps: Pryor, Davies, Witko.

l READING host Maidenhead at Holme Park this Saturday (2pm ko).