READING RFC went on a try-spree at Bicester as they clocked up a resounding 63-8 Southern Counties North success.

The visitors touched down nine tries to overwhelm opponents who ultimately failed to come up with a game plan suitable for the occasion.

If Bicester kicked the ball, Reading ran it back with interest, yet if they tried to drive through their forwards, they were knocked back. They did manage to close the score to just 14-8 soon before half time, but they were simply outclassed after that.

Scrum-half Callum Cload, making just his second start, topped the scorers with a hat-trick of tries, while second row Rory Laing (2), prop Steve King, centre Grant Spears, wing Chris Greig and replacement wing Scott Howell added the others. Three tries were scored in the first half and another six in the second half as Reading took control.

It was Laing who scored the first try, driving over after some good handling.

Alex Dorliac converted and did so again seven minutes later after King amazingly shimmied and danced his way through startled opponents to dot down.

Bicester came back with a try and penalty to reduce the arrears to six points as half-time approached.

As it turned out this was a brief bad spell for Reading and a break from Spears opened the way for Cload to score his first try. The conversion meant Reading led 21-8 at half time.

The visitors started the second half with a bang as early inter-passing set-up Laing’s second try.

Five minutes later, after great support work by Alex Watson, Greig intercepted and raced away for a typical score.

Reading were in no mood to relax and a penetrating run by Dorliac enabled Cload to take another try.

The scrum-half was involved in the next try too as his box-kick, which looked like going into touch, was skilfully backed up by Howell who raced away under the posts for try number seven.

In the last seven minutes Reading took two more tries against a now demoralised side.

First a Bicester kick was run back and Spears finished off the move. And then a repeat of that move brought the final try for Cload.

Eight of the nine tries were converted by Dorliac, who then allowed centre George Dear to celebrate his birthday with the last conversion.

During the past two games Reading have shown their strength in defence, beating second-placed Aylesbury 5-3, and in attack, with nine tries in this game.

As long as players remain available this certainly breeds confidence for the future.