READING Abbey Ladies recorded their second league victory of the season in as many weeks with a gutsy 7-0 win over Trojans, writes Fiona Tomas.

A converted try was all that separated the two sides on Sunday as the Emmer Green side ground out a low-scoring albeit spirited victory to lift them off the bottom of the table and into sixth place in Championship South.

The vital score came after the break from replacement second-row and taliswoman Meaghan Fowler, and was duly converted by the in-form Alice Denton.

There were, however, ample opportunities for the Nuns to score more, noticeably when their opposition was reduced to 14 after wing Gabriella Millard was tackled high.

The resulting play led to a series of scrums, but Trojans defended stoically to keep the Nuns at bay, with flanker Pippa Robinson being denied inches short.

It was a bright start for Abbey – whose back three of Millard, Annette Tomas and Anais Carbon all returned probing kicks with gusto in the opening period.

But once again, it was the ferocious workrate of Abbey’s forward pack which staunchly snuffed out the Trojans’ attack throughout.

Heroic tackles from second row Fi Manning and hooker Claire Stevens kept them from the line which ensured the Nuns closed out the first half with the score even at 0-0.

The final result was a fitting reward for prop Hollie King, who, running out in Abbey colours for the 50th time, tested the Trojans defence until a series of well-worked pick and go’s propelled Fowler over the whitewash.

As they had failed to do only weeks ago against Bath – when they succumbed to a last-minute score – the Nuns doggedly closed the game out with a series of well-chased kicks, with centres Chloe Sharman and Lou Burgham providing the necessary pressure.

Speaking after the game, Abbey Ladies’ coach Jack Reynolds said: “At this level, wins are worth their weight in gold. It’s really pleasing to see us not play as well as we can, but grind out results.

“Defensively, we are showing we can compete with the best teams, rarely do you see someone getting nailed at this level, but we kept Trojans out which was fantastic, considering we spent a large period of time defending on our own try line.

“What’s great to see is how strong the team is becoming mentally. Leading 7-0 is tough, but the girls never let the pressure get to them – the last 10 minutes was the smartest rugby we have played all season.”

READING Abbey put in a gutsy display, but ultimately came up short as they went down 17-5 at Wallingford in their Southern Counties North clash on Saturday.

The hosts had the first opportunity to put points on the board, but despite the touch judges signalling Jackson Sayce's 45-metre penalty was successful, referee Simon Blake overuled the decision to leave the scores pointless.

It was Wallingford who went in front on 23 minutes, though, flanker Nathan Chapman supporting a good run by Carl Tappin to cross for the opening try. Sayce added the conversion and Wallingford led 7-0.

Abbey responded well, though, and had the better of the remainder of the half, albeit their profligacy in the Wallingford 22 meant they were unable to get on the scoreboard until just before half time.

As it was, they cut the gap when second row Gereie Sutherland drove from the back of a five-metre scrum, and when he was tackled Ed House was up in support to dive over for a well-deserved try.

The wind appeared to have dropped as Charlie Shackleford set-up his conversion attempt, but the gust recommenced as he shaped to kick and the wind held the ball up.

The half time whistle sounded immediately afterwards and Abbey had done well to restrict their hosts to a two-point advantage.

Abbey began the second half in encouraging fashion with Jules Greenaway sending a massive touch kick into the home 22. This was where Abbey needed to play the game, but they rarely managed to get as close to the line after this.

Having set-up camp in the Abbey half, Wallingford were then awarded a kickable penalty, but instead they decided to opt for a scrum.

The home forwards applied telling pressure, but John Malivore twice disrupted his opposite number James Springer at the base of the scrum.

However, the second time this happened Abbey were penalised again, and Chapman took a quick tap, crossing wide on the left for his side’s second try. Sayce’s conversion attempt was held up in the wind.

A long period of Wallingford pressure saw Abbey defending bravely at a series of five-metre scrums, and Springer was held just short of the line before Chris Shaw did well to halt No. 8 Ian Jeffreys.

Eventually, though, the hosts moved the ball wide to the left and Sayce set up a try for full back Dan Sadler.

Again the wind disrupted Sayce’s conversion attempt, but with a 17-5 lead and just 15 minutes remaining Wallingford were in a strong position.

And in truth, Abbey rarely looked likely to add to their tally, albeit they bravely defended to prevent the hosts picking up a bonus-point.

Abbey are set to play a floodlit friendly with Tadley tomorrow (Friday) before welcoming third-placed Aylesbury to Rosehill on Saturday, November 17.