Veteran Raymond inspires Tadley triumph

Tadley’s strong start to their Counties 2 Tribute BBO season continued at the weekend with a comprehensive 50-17 win over Slough.

The result means Tadley remain top of the league, having won four of their first five matches this season, one point ahead of second placed side Abingdon.

Two tries each from Oscar Snook, Warwick Brown and Jonny Till as well as scores from Matthew Stewart and Mark Davies and 10 points from the boot of 53-year-old Craig Raymond helped the home side to an emphatic bonus point win.

Tadley have scored 162 points in their opening five games, including 81 in a rout of bottom side Maidenhead III, in an impressive start to the campaign.

Their one defeat came a fortnight ago against a well-organised Rams III side.

Next up for Tadley is the visit of Reading II, who lie seventh having won just once so far this term, while their top of the table clash against Abingdon takes place on Saturday, November 5.

Abingdon proved too good for Hungerford, who suffered a second defeat in four following a 33-7 loss at the hands of the promotion chasers despite a second half score from Luke Gulliver.

Hungerford will be looking to bounce back with the visit of local rivals Aldermaston on October 15.

It's been a difficult start to the campaign for Aldermaston, who prop up the table having lost all four of their games so far.

Their fourth consecutive defeat came at the weekend, a humbling 59-5 loss at home to Henley III.

Newbury Stags sat out this weekend's action but return with a trip to Rams III on Saturday.