READING 2nds, having lost players to the first team, were no match for Purley-on-Thames in Division 3a of the Thames Valley League, writes Dave Wright.

Dropped catches and indifferent fielding contributed to the hosts racing to 245-9 in 48 overs.

Purley captain Patrick Allen top scored with an excellent 73, while fellow opener George Wheeler added a useful 45.

There was no let-up afterwards as Robbie Jeffrey made 57.

Reading could only manage 91 in reply, with Dani Katuri contributing 52.

Off spinner Allen did the early damage with 4-13, before Andrew Jackson caused a swift end with 4-8 after the new ball was taken.

Following Dan Quick’s move to Wales, Rahul Bharti has taken over the captaincy of Reading 2nds and he takes over a team who have slipped to the foot of the table.

They are away to third-from-bottom Eversley 2nds this Saturday.

Reading 3rds moved up to fourth in Division 5b after defeating local rivals Sonning 2nds by 52 runs at Pound Lane.

Electing to bat first, Graham Cassie’s side made a good start with a first-wicket stand of 66 from Nat Narayanasamy (31) and Michael Griesel, who went on to make 65.

Shashank Narayanasamy cracked five 6s and three fours in an entertaining knock of 47 before Reading were dismissed for 207.

Sonning started well against the old ball and reached 94-2 off 20 overs. But, with the new ball, Reading took control of the game with Shashank producing match-winning figures of 11-2-42-6, with good support coming from Navin Smart with 3-34 off 7.3 overs.

The bowlers were supported by some sharp fielding, highlighted by three catches from Domenic Boyce. Sonning were all out for 155 in the 35th over.

Reading are home to Boyne Hill 2nds, the side immediately above them, on Saturday.

Reading 4ths drew with Eversley 4ths in the game between the two bottom sides in Division 8a with both still seeking their first win of the season.

The visitors declared after 39 overs with a useful total of 265-5 on the board, Jon Last having made 72 before becoming one of skipper Grant Benbow’s (2-56) two victims.

Reading replied with 211-7 off 51 overs, Vikramjit Sidhu making 61 and Jay Blaney 40. This weekend they are away to Bagshot 3rds.