For the second round running, older hands shone for Reading's B team in the South's Division 2 West.
The men's six-leg freestyle relay was the highlight at Central Pool, as with the A team.
Students Rob Knott (Portsmouth) and Dan John (Loughborough) joined Kristian Statham, outgoing captain Bruno Bamberger, his successor Craig Frankum and Russ Korting to secure a big winning margin.
John had one of the biggest winning margins of the night in the individual programme via a 1.01.55 100m open butterfly, and Knott - coaching as well as competing - was just touched out by Portsmouth in the open 100 free.
Reading's third student, David Thomas, another former club captain, swam an excellent 1.07.81 100m back PB after a long trip home from Norwich. Jason Passmore's 100 breaststroke in the 12/13 category was probably the best effort among the younger boys.
In a good night for captains past and present, 2006-07 ladies' captain Louisa Herring led her team from the front, winning the open 100 free in a gutsy 1.04.56. Issy Keenan's 100 breaststroke effort was the most eye-catching swim among the younger girls.
Reading supporters were delighted to welcome Leona Jones back to the pool in her first swim of any description since the summer's national championships. Jones showed that form may be temporary but class is permanent with a very strong second place in the open 100 breaststroke.
Final scores:
1. Tilehurst 219
2. Portsmouth Northsea 203
3. Worthing 185
4. Reading B 160
5. Wey Valley 158
6. Romsey & Totton 119
Reading team:
Freya Barton-Hogan, Alex Bell, Natalia Ciecierska Holmes, Zoe Clark, Louise Gillatt, Leanne Haas, Louisa Herring, Alice Hopkins, Leona Jones, Isabelle Keenan, Zoe Knott, Sarah Manners, Olivia Paige, Francesca Reynolds, Rheannon Sandell, Jenny Taylor, Amy Thomas, Becki Turner, Vanessa Wood.
Matthew Alderman, Bruno Bamberger, Craig Frankum, Dan John, Sam Kemp, Rob Knott, Russel Korting, George Kristiaan, Harry Nash, Jason Passmore, Conor Sandell, Ruaridh Shepherd, Jodhvir Sidhu, Joe Statham, Kristian Statham, David Thomas.