Witney 35, Reading 13

A STRONG all-round performance saw Witney take all five points in their South West 1 East clash at Hailey Road.

The match was preceded by Wasps wing Tom Varndell and acting RFU chairman Paul Murphy officially opening Witney’s new pitch – and a large crowd were well entertained.

The hosts showed a greater intensity and never really lost the grip they gained, especially in the tight phases.

Reading’s line-out began very shakily and on seven minutes, they were punished for another inaccurate effort when Witney hooker Sam Collins was driven over.

Full back Ed Mitcham, who kicked well throughout, slotted a useful conversion, and his side continued to press.

Wing Dan Purkiss went close on the left after a floated pass from fly half Henry Lamb, then Mitcham’s penalty made it 10-0 on 19 minutes.

Reading had barely mounted a decent attack before Witney managed a second try – prop Alan Richens powering over on the left after some good controlled possession in the 22.

Henry Lamb kicked well with the wind behind him, while Witney’s line-out continued to pay dividends.

This time, captain Jez Hicks applied the finish to a slick move that had Reading at sixes and sevens after flanker Carl Campbell’s catch.

Mitcham converted for 22-0, but Reading replied almost immediately with a well-struck penalty from fly half Clinton Gibson.

It was 25-3 at the break after another Mitcham penalty.

Witney had a brief wobble early in the second half as Reading came out fired up, full back Sean Lynch bagging their opening try on 43 minutes.

Mitcham hit a post with a penalty and Purkiss almost pounced on the rebound.

Once Mitcham landed a penalty on 52 minutes, there was no way back for Reading.

Two quick steals from Hicks indicated the visitors’ line-out still wasn’t clicking, while Witney lock Richard Haire put in some big carries.

Both sides rang the changes before Witney secured a four-try bonus point when Purkiss squeezed over following Haire’s drive and Mitcham’s quick hands.

Mitcham converted expertly from the touchline.

Reading had the final say with a try from wing Mark Roca after Purkiss chased back to haul down lively replacement Jordan Gomez, who raced clear from half way.

But it could not take the gloss off a fine home win.

Witney: Mitcham, Monks, J Lamb, Harper, Purkiss, H Lamb (Dubost 75), G Campbell, Burke (Fuller 60), S Collins, Richens, Haire, Bennett (Caffekey 65), M Copperwheat, C Campbell, J Hicks (capt).

Referee: J Clarke (Warwickshire).

Man-of-the-match: Haire.