A FINE all-round performance gave Reading a 25-7 Southern Counties North victory against a useful-looking Wallingford team.
If anything the visitors had the better of the scoreless first half, when Reading’s defensive qualities showed up well.
The second session was then dominated by Reading who scored three tries while building a 25-0 lead before conceding a late converted try.
The first half saw a good open contest with both sides moving the ball confidently, but good defensive work prevented any scoring.
For the hosts, Rory Laing, Gavin Egan, skipper Andy Parr and Rob Cunningham made some good driving runs and scrum-half Scott Howell, making his first start, gave a good service to Alex Murray-Smith, who looks more and more at home at fly-half.
Both centres, George Dear and Grant Spears, were outstanding and were rewarded with a try each while the back three of Alex Dorliac, Stuart Borthwick and Chris Greig combined well in attack and defence.
It was Greig who set up the first try in the 50th minute. Dorliac had earlier kicked a penalty to give Reading the lead and then a Reading move put Greig away on one of his runs.
Greig passed to the assertive Dear who raced through to touch down. Dorliac’s conversion attempt was pushed just wide, but Reading were on their way.
Sam Bowers soon came on as a replacement and was soon at work kicking a 40 yard penalty to push the score to 11-0. He was in action again five minutes later, converting a try from Spears who scored after a good driving run from Egan. He converted again five minutes later when, following a line-out and ruck, Josh Pallett suddenly emerged with the ball and a run to the line.
Wallingford’s late try came after Reading had been penalised near their own line for a crooked scrum feed – a rarely given offence these days. Reading’s scrum was very solid all afternoon, at times pushing their opponents back.
Coach Ben Wills was happy with the win and said: “I was pleased with the way they stuck to the game plan throughout, with special mentions to Josh Nicoll, Scotty Howell and George Dear. It was a good team performance.”
Reading visit table-toppers Witney on Saturday.
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