READING Cricket Club produced one or the shocks of the season in the Home Counties Premier League by defeating Division One leaders Henley with an under-strength team, writes Dave Wright.

And veteran skipper David Hartley believes his side will continue to improve in their eight matches they have remaining.

He is delighted as to how his ​men have reacted after being skittle​d​ for just 40 at Banbury two weeks ago – their lowest ever total in Division One.

The following week they rattled up 322 – their highest ever total – in a drawn game against Harefield, but Saturday’s 19-run win over reigning champions Henley still came a surprise.

“It was a tremendous win – especially after what happened at Banbury – and will give the team a lot of confidence,” said Hartley.” “After Banbury I said we needed to show more mental strength and better discipline, and we look to be going in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement.” What made the victory more sweet on Saturday was that Reading were missing three of their regular 12-man squad, with opening bowler Jack Beaven, wicketkeeper Sukhi Kang and batsman Curran Gaur all unavailable.

Two of the replacements, Phil Brennan and Firaz Amjad were both given their Division One debuts.

It was Henley’s second successive defeat, following eight wins in a row.

Henley skipper Bjorn Mordt said his team had suffered too many “soft” dismissals, including three in quick succession, but paid tribute to Reading spinner Khalid ‘Bobby’ Malik, who took five wickets, saying: “He bowled very well.” In front of Sonning Lane’s biggest crowd of the season, the match marked the first game of the second half of the season. Reading had crashed to an eight-wicket ​beating at Henley back in May and went on to suffer further heavy defeats at the hands of the other top three sides, High Wycombe, Banbury and Slough.

Before Saturday’s game with Henley, Hartley said: “I think they will see a different Reading side next time around.” Henley certainly did, and Reading now eagerly await taking on the other leading sides. They have moved above Slough into fourth place, but are ​51 points adrift of Banbury in third.

To complete a good day at Sonning Lane, Reading 2nds moved above local rivals Sonning to go top of Division 3b of the Thames Valley League following their w​inning draw against Teddington Town in a high-scoring match.

READING Cricket Club produced one or the shocks of the season in the Home Counties Premier League by defeating Division One leaders Henley with an under-strength team, writes Dave Wright.

And veteran skipper David Hartley believes his side will continue to improve in their eight matches they have remaining.

He is delighted as to how his ​men have reacted after being skittle​d​ for just 40 at Banbury two weeks ago – their lowest ever total in Division One.

The following week they rattled up 322 – their highest ever total – in a drawn game against Harefield, but Saturday’s 19-run win over reigning champions Henley still came a surprise.

“It was a tremendous win – especially after what happened at Banbury – and will give the team a lot of confidence,” said Hartley.” “After Banbury I said we needed to show more mental strength and better discipline, and we look to be going in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement.” What made the victory more sweet on Saturday was that Reading were missing three of their regular 12-man squad, with opening bowler Jack Beaven, wicketkeeper Sukhi Kang and batsman Curran Gaur all unavailable.

Two of the replacements, Phil Brennan and Firaz Amjad were both given their Division One debuts.

It was Henley’s second successive defeat, following eight wins in a row.

Henley skipper Bjorn Mordt said his team had suffered too many “soft” dismissals, including three in quick succession, but paid tribute to Reading spinner Khalid ‘Bobby’ Malik, who took five wickets, saying: “He bowled very well.” In front of Sonning Lane’s biggest crowd of the season, the match marked the first game of the second half of the season. Reading had crashed to an eight-wicket ​beating at Henley back in May and went on to suffer further heavy defeats at the hands of the other top three sides, High Wycombe, Banbury and Slough.

Before Saturday’s game with Henley, Hartley said: “I think they will see a different Reading side next time around.” Henley certainly did, and Reading now eagerly await taking on the other leading sides. They have moved above Slough into fourth place, but are ​51 points adrift of Banbury in third.

To complete a good day at Sonning Lane, Reading 2nds moved above local rivals Sonning to go top of Division 3b of the Thames Valley League following their w​inning draw against Teddington Town in a high-scoring match.