Raiders Make it Three from Three in Sonning
The players pose under the posts for a post-game team shot
READING Raiders Rugby League Club maintained its 100% home record after digging deep to beat Devon Sharks on Saturday (8).
Having beaten Swindon St George A and Sussex Merlins at the club’s Berkshire County Sports Club home venue, the Raiders made it three from three with a hard-fought 38-34 friendly win against the Sharks.
John Boucher slots over another conversion.
Reading made the perfect start when winger Stephen Orwin touched down in the left-hand corner. Devon hit back but the hosts retook the lead through prop Ed House and, having been pegged back again, the burly prop scored a second try to restore the Raiders’ lead and go in 16-12 up at half-time.
The Sharks started the second half in devastating fashion, scoring two quick tries from clever kick-off routines, but loose forward Dan Neal soon put Reading back in control again.
Matt McLellan scores a try on the wing
Matt McLellan and Steve King also got on the scoresheet before George House’s try appeared to have settled matters, with John Boucher kicking his fifth conversion of the afternoon, as the Raiders went 10 points ahead with several minutes to go.
Devon registered a converted try and set up a nervy finish but Reading held on to keep its home record intact.
Alex Dorliac looks for a way through the Sharks defence
Raiders Chairman, Andrew Belt, said: “We were outstanding. Devon are a far more established outfit but we’re improving in every single game and we thoroughly deserved the win.
“It was edgy at the end but we controlled the majority of the game and it would have been cruel if we had lost. We’ve got one home game left this season and it would be fantastic to go into 2018 with an unbeaten home record after two years of playing rugby league.”
Reading next return to action when they travel to Brighton to face Sussex Merlins in the London & South East Championship on Saturday, July 29.
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