| Reading 1st XV V Maidenhead 18-40 |
| Reading opened their South West Division One campaign at the ground of local rivals Maidenhead and put in a promising performance before three late tries put the home side out of sight. Reading actually went into the last quarter of the game ahead and they were still well into the match until the last few minutes when the home side’s backs ran in a fine try (from Stuart MacKay) and an interception try from Willcocks. |
| Reading started the game well with the pack particularly dominant in the scrums and newcomers Billy Bragg (fly half) and Ben Sturge (centre) prominent. The early pressure brought no points, however, and a typical breakaway try from the Maidenhead backs gave them the lead with a converted try. |
| Reading’s backs then showed that they are a force to be reckoned with too as good passing and a swift break from new full back Alex Blackstock brought a try for winger Duncan Mollison who cut in cleverly for Sturge to convert. Blackstock, a late replacement for injured skipper Alex Wallace, had a fine game. |
| Two minutes later another good move in the backs almost brought another try, Nick Brooks being held up just short. A score had to come, however, and Bragg’s chip to the line lead to a five metre scrum from which skipper Simon Dyson touched down. Four minutes later more pressure gave Sturge the position to drop a goal and extend Reading’s lead to 15-7. |
| Reading continued to pressurise up front with a series of five metre scrums but just failed to take the points. With five minutes to go to half time Reading prop Andy Grierson had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and well though his replacement, Dan Featherstone, played, Gris’ scrummaging was missed. Just before half time the home side came back with a try to leave Reading with a three point lead at half time. . |
| n the second half, as expected, Maidenhead came back well, giving their renowned back division more opportunities to shine. A powerful run in the centre gave them the lead and, although Sturge hit back with a penalty Maidenhead controlled the last fifteen minutes and ran out worthy winners. |
| Reading’s Director of Rugby, Dick Michael, was critical of Clare Daniels’ refereeing after the game but had reason to feel pleased with aspects of his team’s performance. The scrummaging was good and back rowers Paul Bowen, Matt Dwyer and Scott Heirene put in some good work. In the backs Billy Bragg, Ben Sturge and Alex Blackstock were outstanding on their debuts and young ex-Colt David Choules certainly did not look out of place when he came on for his debut in the second half. |
| READING:: Alex Blackstock; Kam Vuadreu (David Choules h/t), Nick Brooks, Ben Sturge, Duncan Mollison; Billy Bragg, Simon Dyson; Richard Pryor (68 mins), Paul Fisher, Andrew Grierson (Dan Featherstone, 35 mins), Peter Lawless, Matt Davies, Paul Bowen, Matt Dwyer, Scott Heirene. |
| READING SCORERS: Tries: Duncan Mollison, Simon Dyson Con: Ben Sturge Pen: Ben Sturge Drop goal: Ben Sturge |
| HOW THE SCORING WENT: 11 mins: Joe Plamus try, Stuart MacKay con (7-0), 15 mins: Duncan Mollison try, Ben Sturge con (7-7) 20 mins Simon Dyson try (7-12) 26 mins Sturge drop goal (7-15) 36 mins Mackay try (12-15) 52 mins Maidenhead try, Mackay con (19-15) 57 mins Sturge pen (19-18) 65 mins Maidenhead try, Mackay con (26-18) 77 mins Mackay try and con (33-18) 80 mins Willcocks try and con (40-18) |
| Ted Goodhew |