Trowbridge master windy conditions better

Trowbridge welcomed Reading to wet and windy conditions at Doric Park on Saturday. They took advantage of the elements in the first half With Lloyd Davis opening the scoring after 10 minutes with a penalty from the half way line but missed a similar opportunity shortly afterwards. Their forwards impressed looking dangerous in the rolling mauls but did not always retain possession. This resulted in turnovers in possession. They had several good scoring opportunities but it wasn't until around 20 minutes that the scorers were called into action when forward pressure resulted in full back Ashley Clalk going over the whitewash for a try and Davis converted. Trowbridge skipper Scott Williams left the field with a shoulder injury just before half time to be replaced by Dan Smith.

Conditions worsened after the break with handling mistakes. Trowbridge continued to press despite playing against the wind, but were unable to turn the pressure into points. however they restricted Reading to a 60 metre penalty attempt from fly half Alex Dorliac which fell short. Reading had two players yellow carded but Trowbridge could not take advantage during the period they had numeric advantage. Errors continued in the difficult conditions and the Doric Park side were hampered when scrum half George Leat who had an outstanding game thwarting a couple of Reading attacks with strong tackling had to leave the field. Dan Smith was yellow carded near the end but the Trowbridge defence held out in the final stages and the second half remained scoreless.

This was a useful win and while Trowbridge did not move up any places, they now have a 12 point gap over High Wycombe who surprisingly beat Witney. Trowbridge travel for the first time to Oxford Harlequins' Marston Ferry Road ground next Saturday kick off 2pm. Please keep an eye on the website for the time the coach leaves Doric Park.