OXFORDSHIRE champions Grove were unable to build upon last week’s county cup triumph as they were beaten 34-7 by Reading.

Head coach Craig Burrows was forced to make eight changes from the side that beat Oxford Harlequins 24-22 at Iffley Road on April 1.

One of them was man-of-thematch Roger Sevier, with Harry Carr replacing him at fly half.

Grove, who will finish tenth in South West 1 East, welcome Swindon to Cane Lane in their last game of the season on Saturday.

The south Oxfordshire side opened the scoring through Guy Nicholl’s breakaway try against the run of play.

Carr landed the conversion.

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Reading’s backs caused Grove all sorts of problems and by halftime the Berkshire club led 15-7.

Matt Witko and Peter Czernuszka went over, while Matt Smart landed a penalty.

In the second half, Reading continued to control proceedings despite Grove’s best efforts to break the try line.

Stuart Borthwick, Steve King and Ashley Chapman crossed for the hosts.

Smart converted three of Reading’s five scores as his side secured their 12th try bonus point of the season.