A POOR opening 20 minutes cost Reading RFC dearly as their South West One East relegation fears were increased with a 23-8 defeat at home to Witney.

The Oxfordshire side stunned Reading with a try in the first minute, returning a Matt Smart kick before working the ball through the hands for wing Ben Fisk to score in the corner.

Witney continued to press, keeping Reading penned in their own half and punishing the hosts with two George Lewis penalties.

These came either side of a try from second row Charlie Bennett who forced his way over after the initial thrust was held up when a charged down kick was run back, leaving the hosts in disarry and trailing 16-0.

Yet they regrouped and began to use their driving lineout to build possession, getting on the scoresheet thanks to a Smart penalty.

Reading missed the opportunity to cut the gap both shortly before and after the interval, turning down kickable goals to go to the corner but being held out both times.

However, Reading’s pressure began to rattle their opponents and Witney No. 8 George Lane was sin-binned for his side’s repeat offending in their own 22.

The hosts again went for the try rather than points and Peter Czernuzska came close after a strong run.

Eventually, after Smart missed a penalty, Reading were rewarded for their pressure as scrum half Ray Mead broke through on the halfway line and passed to Chris Greig who finished strongly for an unconverted try.

Witney upped their game when they were back to full strength and began to dominate possession without really looking like scoring.

However, a good run by Fisk set up a ruck near the line and Witney forced their way over for a converted try to tie up the game for them.

Second-bottom Reading are 12 points adrift of safety and host Windsor this Saturday (2.15pm).

THE Southern Counties North game between leaders Reading Abbey and Drifters was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Abbey host Marlow this Saturday (2.15pm).

Reading Abbey Nuns toppled Oakmedians 20-12 to reach the fourth round of the Women's Cup.

Kate Jayne-Coupe scored two tries to give Abbey a 10-0 half-time lead, and although the visitors hit back to lead midway through the second half, Nuns’ superior fitness shone and Kat Isaac and Becky Welbourn touched down to seal the win.

BERKSHIRE Shire Hall suffered a 38-0 drubbing in their BB&O Championship game at Littlemore.

They welcome Aldermaston to Sonning Lane this Saturday.