READING RFC’s dismal league record at Windsor’s Home Park – five games played, five games lost since fixtures between the sides started in 2012 – continued on Saturday as they lost 15-10 in Southern Counties North, but coach Ben Wills nevertheless was able to pick some positives from the performance.

“We defended well, had our moments in attack, scored two tries, showed good spirit and picked up a bonus point away from home,” he said.

The defence had to be good, especially in the second half when Windsor had much more of the ball.

Initially, however, some weak tackling almost let Windsor in for a first-minute try, Reading being saved by the referee spotting a forward pass.

The visitors recovered from this and a good kick from fly half Dan Witko set up a line-out in the home 22.

Fraser Koefman caught and the pack drove the ball, but they were held up and Windsor were able to clear.

Full back Sam Bowers then missed a penalty attempt in front of the posts, but Reading maintained the attacking position and second row Rob Cunningham charged down an attempted clearance kick, collected the ball and touched down in the corner.

Windsor came back strongly, but it took until just before half time for them to get their first try as they spread line-out ball for the fly half to score under the posts. The conversion put his side 7-5 up at the break.

The second half saw the game increasingly go Windsor’s way as Reading had difficulty gaining possession.

They missed injured skipper Charlie Davies and there were troubles at the line-out and at the breakdown as Windsor controlled the ball well.

Indeed the home side should have scored in the first minute of the half, only to drop a try-scoring pass. Three minutes later, however, the try did come after sustained pressure.

Fifteen minutes into the half a Reading counter-attack involving Peter Czernuszka, Alex Dorliac and Chris Greig looked like ending in a try, but the move broke down and a Windsor counter-attack had Reading defending desperately.

Reading then scored a fine try, running back a Windsor kick, passing down the line and putting replacement wing Will Proctor Searle over for his first try for the club on his debut.

Bowers missed the difficult conversion, but Reading were now within two points.

Three minutes later, however, flanker Grant Spears, whose tackling had been outstanding, was yellow carded. Windsor attacked, Reading were penalised for pulling down and the successful penalty pushed the lead to five points.

  • A Wheelchair Rugby taster session open to anyone older than 12 will take place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Rushey Way, Lower Earley on Saturday. It is available for men and women and will run from 10am to noon.