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IT WAS an afternoon of mixed emotions for Reading Raiders as they defeated Oxford to finish top of Pool B, but could not do enough to clinch the Thames Valley Cup.
Raiders’ only defeat to date this campaign came in the reverse fixture in Sonning in what doubled up as the first leg of the Cup, going down 36-24.
So although they got their revenge with a 30-24 win over the Cavaliers, they lost out 60-54 on aggregate.
But the main incentive was top spot in the group ahead of the end-of-season West of England Super Fives competition.
The first 40 minutes of the encounter at Oxford on Saturday was a tight affair with Raiders captain John Boucher opening the scoring with an 80-metre interception try before slotting over his first of five conversions.
Cavaliers levelled up before half-time and got their noses in front shortly after the restart, only for Brad Walters to restore parity.
Luke Schofield then extended his record as Reading’s leading try scorer with a brilliant solo effort, but Oxford struck twice in quick succession to go ahead again.
However, the topsy-turvy contest took another twist when Karl Temata’s men instantly levelled through Alex French before Schofield burst down the wing to clinch victory.
“Saturday’s match was the hardest we have had all season,” said Temata.
“Although we were happy with the win and finishing top of the pool, it was more important to each member of the team in terms of experience.
“There was never more than six points in the game at any time and with even completion rates from both sides, it tested us physically.”
He added: “This week at training is all about raising the level.
“We will continue with the team skills, drills and structure we have used so far but will focus on how we go to the next level with them.
“We know what difference this makes in a game and this extra level is all that will separate teams in the next phase and is what is needed to get to the Grand Final.”
Raiders go to Supermarine RFC on Saturday (2.30pm) to face Swindon St George in the first game of the Super Fives, with the Kennet Cup also up for grabs.
That will be followed by games against Somerset Vikings, All Golds and Oxford Cavaliers to fight for a place in the showpiece final.
