READING Abbey captain Will Bevan produced a three-try man-of-the-match display to inspire his team to an opening-day 38-17 home win against Littlemore in their Southern Counties North encounter.

The first half hour was all Abbey as they swarmed over the pitch with lots of movement from the backs, benefitting from good recycling from the pack which included an entirely new starting front row of Razz Dranca, Matt Hart and Ed Woodger.

It took 20 minutes for the points to arrive, first an unconverted try from second row Matt Simmons followed by a penalty from centre Ollie Walton.

Littlemore stuck to their task and in their first meaningful incursion into Abbey’s half, scrum-half Jake Dawson found the smallest of spaces to squeeze through on the left and scamper to touch down, the added points going astray.

Abbey continued to press, though, and Will Bevan, defending a two-on-one position, stole the ball, kicked ahead, was first to the ball, gathered a kind bounce and took the first of his hat-trick.

Walton kicked the extras, then added three more points on the stroke of half time, knocking back the hopes of Littlemore as wing Johnny Gerrard had gone over for their second try wide out, the conversion going begging.

Turning around 18-10 ahead, Abbey opened with a series of penalties, spurning the kick for posts, they opted for a line-out and drive and then scrums, but a determined Littlemore kept the home side out.

Frustration at the lack of reward saw second man Treacle Knights yellow carded in the 52nd minute, but any encouragement Littlemore might have felt by having a man advantage was dented when Walton extended Abbey’s lead with his third penalty.

The visitors stuck to their task, moving the ball with precision and speed when they had the chance.

A 60th-minute converted try, coming from a quick tap penalty from scrum-half Dawson with Stuart Beale adding the extras, brought Littlemore within touching distance, just four points shy.

Abbey finished by far the brighter, though, with three tries, two from Bevan and one from Walton, who kicked a conversion to bring his personal points tally to 18, capping a good afternoon’s work of smooth distribution and good footwork.

Coach Luke Harding will be pleased with getting an opening win under his belt, as well as how the newcomers showed their paces, Simmons putting in a high work rate.

Reading Abbey visit Marlow this Saturday (3pm).