READING completed a Southern Counties North double over a spirited Reading Abbey side with a 27-8 victory in windy conditions at Rosehill.

The success brought about Reading’s seventh consecutive league win, something they have not achieved since the 2012/13 season, and keeps them firmly in third place, one point behind an Aylesbury side which also had a bonus-point win.

The game started with Reading in the ascendancy and what appeared to be a try was reduced to a fifth-minute penalty which full-back Alex Dorliac converted.

Three minutes later Dorliac was at it again when a break by scrum-half Scott Howell and some good support play put the full back over under the posts for a try which he converted himself.

Seven minutes later centre Grant Spears sold an outrageous dummy before touching down for another converted try.

Abbey came back with a Charlie Shackleford penalty, but Reading were playing with confidence and a fine backs move gave wing Stuart Borthwick the space to run 40 yards at speed for a try in the corner.

The visitors' final try came early in the second half after man-of-the-match Dorliac had kicked Reading into an attacking position.

Good swift possession led to Dorliac making a break, the ball being swiftly moved right and Borthwick’s quick off-load putting Ed Neeves over for the try.

Abbey were not to be denied, however, and they controlled much of the second half, planted in Reading territory with occasional break-outs from the away side.

During this period Reading defended well and the scrummaging again showed up as a great strength.

Andy Parr’s leadership from second row was inspirational as Reading kept Abbey at bay until shortly before the end when Abbey prop Postlethwaite drove over for a deserved try.

After the game, Reading coach Ben Wills gave particular mention to Dorliac, Alex Murray-Smith and Howell, who had stepped in as replacement for Callum Cload.

Wills said: “It was a really good game. We were great in defence and controlled the contact area.”

Reading host Stow-on-the-Wold this Saturday, while Abbey welcome Shipston-on-Stour to Rosehill.