ROYAL Wootton Bassett were forced to dig deep at Reading to secure their fifth win of the season and move into third place in the process.

Having cantered to a 77-0 victory over Oxford Harlequins the week prior, a fixture that took its toll on the body count for Bassett, Alan Low’s side were brought back down to earth with a bump on Saturday.

Reading took the lead with less than two minutes on the clock when full-back Daniel Rees saw his clearance charged down and the hosts go over the whitewash.

Bassett responded just four minutes later to level the scores when second row Ed Lucas was given the ball at the back of a ruck to touch down under the posts, before skipper David Hogg added the conversion.

A Reading penalty restored the hosts’ lead sparking the best period of play from Bassett, which lead to Gavin Ougan forcing his way over the line before the break to give Low’s side a 14-8 lead.

In the second half, Reading were only able to pick up a penalty to secure a losing bonus point but it was Bassett who walked away with the win.

“It was probably our flattest performance we have had all season,” said Low.

“We had a number of changes in the squad that were enforced on us after the Oxford Harlequins game.

“We were probably four or five short of where we have wanted to be but we recognise it is a long season and players have got to step up and have a shot.

“They have done that and come away from Reading with a win, which was great, but the performance wasn’t where we wanted it to be.

“That is something we are going to address but to come out with a win after a poor performance is a sign that the mentality in the team is changing slightly.”

Bassett now have a weekend off but with their third team in action against Bournemouth in the Dorset and Wilts 3rd XV Cup, Low will be looking to ensure the mood in the camp remains buoyant.

“There are a few tired bodies around, having had pre-season and six games and we have been looking forward to the week off now,” he added.

“Last night we had a physio session and then Thursday we’ll just do some set-piece work.”

“Going into the weekend, the thirds have a cup game so we are going to have a player bonding session for all three teams and then get out and support those boys.”