Having released players to all of the three higher sides for their league fixtures, vice captain Diego Barrow was left with a bare 15 players for the trip to local rivals Redingensians.
To add to their woes the Rhinos then lost back row forward Jez Stokes with a knee injury late in the first half and, what will be even more worrying to skipper Sharp (who was away on first XV duty), the cornerstone of the front row Neil Hallett limped off with a leg injury half way through the second period. With an important league fixture next week against Marlow, Sharpe will face an anxious week before seeing what his strongest available side will be.
The Rhinos were to struggle, particularly against a younger and fitter back division, but it could have been so different had the referee been in a position to see big Aussie prop Scott Stevens crash over. However, the official could not see that the ball had been grounded, and awarded a five metre scrum, for the Rhinos the chance was lost.
The home side took full advantage scoring two tries, one converted, to lead 12-0 at the break. The Reading cause was not helped by their desire to try and manage the official. Unfortunately, the referee took exception to the constant bickering, and the (near) hero Stevens paid the price with a ten minute spell in the bin, either side of half time.
The second half started sedately enough with the Rhinos trying to make a comeback, however when they tired, the hosts ran in five tries in only eleven minutes as their back division began to run riot, although there was a hint of forward passes in at least two of the scores.
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Guys we have now finalised the date, usual stuff 3 course meal live music etc and will be held at the club, we can only have 90 people so it will be on a first come basis the same as last year, the cost should be the same £25 per head including half a bottle of wine.
Dear Member