Sat 14 Dec 2019
Reading 1st XV 39 – 7 High Wycombe 1st XV
Wycombe suffered their third consecutive defeat against an in form Reading team. In selection, Wycombe were once again forced into making changes and fielded another very young side.
It was evident from the kick-off that Reading was a much bigger and more experienced team and used this to their advantage. In the first half Wycombe battled hard and had their fair share of possession but struggled to create any clear cut opportunities except for a long range penalty which Tom Bosley pushed wide. Reading looked dangerous when they had the ball, but some strong defence only allowed the home team to score two tries in the first half.
Half Time 10-0
Wycombe were still in the game and an intercept inside his own twenty-two by Harry Tanner enabled him to sprint the length of the pitch, but some good covering defence saw him hauled down ten metres from the line and the home team were penalised. This set up a period of Wycombe pressure, but some strong tackling meant it came to nothing. Reading were making their size and power tell and although Wycombe had done well to compete three tries in ten minutes took the game away from the visitors. Two further well worked tries as the half came to a close took the score out to 39-0. In the dying seconds of the game Wycombe scored a try of their own. Two penalties took play into the opposition twenty-two and the away team upped the tempo by taking these quickly. Eventually Ayrton Hooker powered his way over the line with the kick made the final whistle sounded.
Full Time 39-7
Overall Reading deserved their victory with a powerful display. As for Wycombe, the young side never gave up and played some good rugby at times, but Reading’s size, power and experience told. With no league game until 4th January hopefully Wycombe will be able field a more settled side in the New Year.
