| A cracking game of rugby saw Reading revive their South West One Division
survival hopes with a well deserved win against a side which beat them 51-12 earlier
in the season. Since then some recruiting has been going on. Fijians Peceli
Nacamavuto, Ledua Jope and Tan Ratu have been brought in. Al Blewitt has returned
from injury and he made an enormous contribution here. Simon Dyson made a solid return
at scrum half after eight games out with injury and newcomer Ben Hughes, capped over
100 times for the army, added a new dimension in the second row, as well as scoring
a try on his debut. |
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| Most importantly of all Reading maintained their form and momentum right
to the end of the game. In other games this season, especially during their last match
against Bournemouth, they have started well but have been blown away after half an
hour. This time they maintained their discipline right to the end. |
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| And it was needed. 17-10 up with ten minutes to go, Reading were subjected
to continuous pressure from the Cheltenham-based side who were determined to win.
Reading’s defensive organisation and tackling during this spell was superb. As club
chairman Alastair McHarg said to his players, “that effort in the last ten minutes
was superb, and we worked hard to win crucial turn-over ball in the mauls. We
survived a series of penalties and the defence I saw in the last ten minutes was
some of the best I have seen in my eight years at the club.” He also praised Number
8 Ledua Jope and flanker Al Blewitt for their efforts in a great team performance.
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| As has been usual of late, Reading started the game well but failed to put
enough points on the board. Some of the kicking from half back simply gave the ball
away and the Old Boys’ side loved running the ball back. In defence skipper Alex
Wallace was immaculate under the high ball while, in the forwards, Ben Hughes showed
what a fine acquisition he is. |
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| In the 25th minute Reading scored a great try when winger Alex Blackstock
came into the line from the blind side and scored a try straight from the training
field. Unfortunately, Wallace missed a simple conversion. With the breeze in their
favour it seemed that Reading would lead at half time but, just before the interval,
winger Chris Howell touched down for the visitors and Nock’s conversion gave his
side the lead at half time. Nock kicked another penalty within two minutes of the
re-start and the visitors led 10-5. |
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| Yet, soon after, a brilliant passing move amongst the forwards ended with
Ben Hughes going over for a debut try. Wallace’s conversion from wide out put his
side back into the lead. It was hard work from now on as both sides pressed for the
lead. Eventually, with Old Pats prop Pete Mitchell yellow carded, Reading drove a
line out and then a scrum for Ledua Jope to score. |
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| This proved to be the winning score, but it needed great defensive
organisation and real heart to hold out until the end. |
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| READING: Alex Wallace (capt); Alex Blackstock, Peceli Nacamavuto,
Andy Evans, Tan Ratu; Billy Bragg, Simon Dyson (Andy Tweedie, 70 mins); Richard Pryor
(Axel Rees, 62 mins), Paul Fisher, Andrew Grierson, Ben Hughes, Sean Kenneally,
Al Blewitt, Matt Davies, Ledua Jope. |
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| Match facts: 24 mins Blackstock try (5-0), 39 mins Howell try,
Nock con (5-7), 41 mins Nock pen (5-10), 47 mins Hughes try, Wallace con (12-10),
70 mins Jope try (17-10) |
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| Reading scores: Tries: Blackstock, Hughes, Jope Con: Wallace (1) |
| Ted Goodhew |