TROWBRIDGE came up just short in their mid-table battle in South West One East on Saturday.

The visiting side started the stronger, forcing the home side to defend but once again fell foul of the referee by giving away early penalties to take the pressure off the home side.

Youngster Shai Bonnick continued to impress at centre running into space and breaking tackles.

Reading came back into it and went into half time with a 6-0 lead, Rob Sweeney booting two penalties.

The home side started the second half at pace, but the visitors defence held firm with some strong tackling, Dave Martin and Bonnick outstanding.

Lloyd Davis got Trowbridge on the scoreboard at the second attempt, but Readings backs eventually created an overlap sending in wing Stuart Borthwick to score the first try.

Trowbridge coach Ojomoh made changes, bringing on youngster Josh James, Lee Fairclough and veteran Alistair Lund and Fairclough forced his way over the line.

Davis added the conversion but, despite losing Steve King and Rob Sweeney to yellow cards, Reading held on.