South West 1 East

Two tries from scrum half Gareth Campbell helped Witney secure an impressive 24-15 victory at Reading Abbey.

Abbey started the stronger and took the lead with a converted try from their pacy winger.

A penalty soon followed for 10-0, but Witney, who lost their unbeaten record against Reading last week, grew in belief, with their front row of Alan Richens, Sam Collins and Mark Fuller edging the scrums.

Witney went for a pushover from a five-metre scrum, and although the ball popped out, Gareth Campbell was alert to touch down and fly half Henry Lamb converted.

No 8 Joe Rowles was held up a few minutes later, but Abbey led 15-7 at the break, thanks to a try from their full back.

The second half saw Witney put in a strong defensive display, led by flanker Carl Campbell.

Gareth Campbell’s quick tap saw lock Charlie Bennett barge over at full tilt and Lamb converted for 15-14.

Centre Carl Strutt had what Witney felt was a good try dissallowed, but a long-range Lamb penalty gave them the lead.

Abbey missed a couple of kicks of goal then saw Gareth Campbell make up for wasting an overlap by darting over. Lamb converted.

Wallingford fell to an agonising 10-9 home defeat to Maidenhead.

Two Oli Henderson penalties put Wallingford, who welcomed back lock Mike Turner after a long absence, 6-0 up.

Maidenhead centre Simon Cripps made it 6-5 with a 65th-minute try, but Henderson looked to have won the game with a penalty on 72 minutes.

But Cripps scored his second try with two minutes left to dash Wallingford’s hopes.