South West 1 East

JAMES Monks ran in a hat-trick of tries as Witney battled back to win 23-19 at Reading.

Reading broke through some sloppy defence to score a converted try on three minutes and soon added a penalty to go 10-0 ahead.

Witney woke up and deserved the try they scored when wing Monks barrelled over in the corner on 27 minutes, fly half Henry Lamb converting.

Reading had their No 8 sin-binned, but still slotted a penalty.

Monks crossed again on 38 minutes as Witney trailed 13-12 at the break.

Reading added another penalty, with Lamb replying in kind.

On 55 minutes, Monks finished off another good backs move to make it 20-16.

Lamb and Reading’s kicker traded penalties and the visitors held on.