Counties 1 Tribute Southern North
Reading had to fight hard against foot of the table Bracknell II but held on despite some late scares for a second win in a row. Although Reading had more overall possession and territory, frequent handling errors and indiscipline stopped them from taking full advantage. In the end their three tries proved just enough to ensure victory.
The first fifteen minutes of the game was a fairly scrappy period with Reading finding it difficult to win controlled possession although looking dominant in the scrums. In fact, the first time they won good possession from a line out they made good ground and were awarded a penalty which Lewis Bowers took quickly and he and Will Proctor-Searle both made good progress and when they were held up Alex Rowe picked up and strongly shrugged off two tacklers to score. Sam Bowers converted to give Reading a seven point lead.
Bracknell came back almost at once taking advantage of Reading missing the kick off to launch some attacks of their own. From a line out near the Reading line they moved the ball across field and managed to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.
Reading through their superior scrum won a series of penalties and had the best of the territory. Ultimately were unable to make their pressure tell and after giving away some penalties themselves allowed Bracknell to establish a position in the Reading 22. From here, following a Reading infringement, Bracknell kicked a penalty to give themselves an 8-7 lead which they took into the break.
Reading came out for the second half seemingly determined to make up for the missed opportunities in the first half. They quickly scored a try when Proctor Searle took a quick penalty and forced his way over the line to give Reading an 8-12 lead.
They continued to dominate possession and territory but were kept out by some doughty Bracknell defending and their own propensity to give away penalties when in good positions.
Eventually their pressure did tell when after their best move of the match which featured multiple phases and strong forceful runs from Rowe, Proctor Searle and Lewis Donnelly, Bracknell ran out of defenders and Charlie Attard who was now playing at scrum half was given a clear run to the line. The try was converted by Sam Bowers to give Reading an 8-19 lead.
As the game progressed Reading were unable to add to the score line and Bracknell came more into the game with some good looking back moves which sturdy Reading defence kept out until with seven minutes to go the Bracknell right wing won a chase from a kick ahead to touch down for a converted try.
From then on although Bracknell threatened, they were held out by the Reading defence which successfully stifled any Bracknell possession and saw out the remining period for a win that their overall play deserved but which they could have thrown away at the end.
For Reading Proctor-Searle and Rowe were the pick of the pack always making ground with the ball and strong in the tackle.
Reading coach, Mark Eastley, was pleased that his team had held out for a win but noted that there was lots to work on to stop such games being so close.
Reading travel to Bicester next Saturday in a match which marks the half-way point in their season.
READING
Tries: Rowe, Proctor-Searle, Attard
Conversions: Bowers S (2)
TEAM: Jason Carr; Jake Clift, Harry Morgan, Jos Clarke, Charlie Attard; Sam Bowers, Lewis Bowers; Dave Southworth, Luke Palmer, Steve King; Jamie McIntyre, Greg Jackson; Joe Price, Will Proctor-Searle (capt.), Alex Rowe.
Replacements: Joe Clarkson, Lewis Donnelly, Ben Fuller.
