The Pump Technology Sponsored Tadley took a break from league action this weekend to welcome local rivals Reading to Red lane in the edf Intermediate cup. Both sides have found themselves at the wrong end of their respective leagues this season Reading SW1 and Tadley SW2, with just 2 wins each and hoping a good cup run will kick start a turn around in fortunes.

Tadley were without the talents of forwards Mike keeley, Duncan Harris, Bradley Choules, Dom Pike and chunky center Andrew Oswyn Williams .Whilst welcoming back second rows Green, the ever youthful Stu "clippy" Campbell and the weighty ex Reading skipper Vatcher who's weight watchers classes have clashed with saturday afternoon k.o's. Making his 1st team debut was Prop Gordon Grierson who made the game a family affair as his brother Andrew packed down on the tight head for the visitors.

Tadleys slow start has cost them in recent weeks and again proved to be their downfall after finding themselves 17- 3 down with 15 minutes gone. Reading's game plan was clear from the start, to use their powerful pack to great effect scoring tries from set piece and driving mauls. Tadley however who always seem to relish the underdog tag once again raised their game against higher league opposition sparked into life with quick thinking from skipper Bailey to feed winger Dampies who easily beat 2 covering defenders to bring Tadley back into the game.

Tadley were still having a tough day at the set piece, yet as the game opened up Tadleys back row starting to enjoying success at the break down with excellent work from Seal, Summers and man of the match Ross Nicholson forcing several turn over's and penalties. It was then from a good turn over that Tadley scored their next try after great work from their back line and Alex Pike in particular.

Readings pack once again took control using set pieces to gain a further few tries. Tadley continued to press and the back line now seemed to be able to open up the Reading defence at will. Another try did follow for Tadley and good line out work by Vatcher produced quick ball for former Bath and London Welsh second teamer Craig Raymond to feed Seal to stumble over the line for his first try this season.

All in all a good performance by Tadley who return to league action this week with a must win fixture when they entertain fellow strugglers Windsor 2.30ko knowing that they can more than compete at this level but must do so for 80 minutes.

Man of the Match -Ross Nicholson.

Tadley - Simpson, Collins(Grierson), Lowe, Tucker,( Campbell) Green, Summer ( Vatcher) Seal, Nicholson, Bailey(C) ( Crane) Gaymond, Pike, Craig, Cripps-Jones, Dennison, Dampies.