Sat 22 Nov 2025
Reading III 31 Shire Hall 19
Two weeks ago, the sun was shining in Sonning but this week the weather could not have been more different. Shire made the long trek across Sonning Lane to play Reading who had made a similar start to us in the league. Shire fielded a full squad with a six man bench. There were debuts for Nikita Tkachenko and Archie Bayston and we also saw the return of Ryan Darby. The conditions were not conducive to running rugby and both sides were guilty of dropping the ball. The early exchanges were clearly in Shire’s favour and there were strong runs by the likes of Dan Smedley and Ollie Homan-Green in particular. It was Shire who opened the scoring after 9 minutes when a quickly taken penalty resulted in Ed Gallen going over. The extra points were not added by Billy Wigley, but it was good start. However, after 20 minutes, Reading took the lead with a converted try. Shire battled back and there were good runs by Alex Webb and Jonny Parry but no reward. On the half hour a fluid passing movement in the backs resulted in Jonny Parry in space and he was able the use his speed to ghost past defenders to score his 36th club try on his 50th appearance for Shire. Billy Wigley added the conversion and Shire were back in the lead. Just before half time, Sam Joyce was forced to leave the field with an injury to be replaced by Henry Bayston.
Half Time Score: Reading III 7 Shire Hall 12
The conditions were not good and the referee allowed both teams to return to the changing rooms for half time. Shire took off Luke Barefoot and Manzi Murenzi to be relaced by Lloyd Weber and Jason Tunkhume. Reading replaced a few of their players as well and in their very first attack their speedy replacement winger went round the Shire defence to level the scores. It was not longer after when the referee’s patience was again tested and a Reading player was sent to the naughty step. Despite this player advantage, Shire could not find a way through. Billy Wigley missed a penalty attempt and chances went begging. Ryan Darby, Nikita Tkachenko and Archie Bayston then came on to replace Matt Brazier, Dan Smedley and Dhilan Patel. A great break from Matt Margot saw him transfer the ball to a supporting Dave Tridgell 40 metres out. Dave is not known for his speed, but his strength and nous saw him go over. Billy Wigley added the conversion, and Shire had regained the lead. But Reading were not done and two converted tries in 5 minutes knocked Shire back to be now 7 points adrift. Both sides continued to press, and it was frustrating when Shire’s famous lineout drive was deemed illegal by the referee. With time running out, it looked like Shire would at least take a losing bonus point but inexplicably in the last play of the game they managed to cough up the ball close to their line and Reading snatched a late try. Once we gained possession, we should have booted the ball out of play, but it is a lesson learnt.
This was a disappointing result in atrocious conditions. There was an excellent display at scrum half from Dave Tridgell and Ed Gallen was immense with his numerous carries. It was pleasing, however, to see us field a full squad and we hope that will be same scenario against Reading Abbey in our next league fixture.
Final Score: Reading III 31 Shire Hall 19
Tries: Ed Gallen, Jonny Parry, Dave Tridgell
Conversions: Billy Wigley (2)
MOTM: Ed Gallen – perpetual motion throughout the games, gaining many metres. (Special mention to Dave Tridgell for his game management around the base of the scrum)
DOTD: Jason Tunkhume – forgot his boots!
