READING Wildcats lost their opening South Premier game of the season, going down 13-4 to last season’s league and cup champions Spencer at the John Madejski Academy.

Reading recruited well during the summer and fielded several new players, but in a fast and exciting game they never threatened Spencer’s dominance.

What they did show throughout was a great team spirit, which will bode well for the side as their campaign continues against sides weaker than Spencer.

Ex-Oxford player Dom Hewitt won the man-of-the-match award for an impressive midfield display, while Ash Smith was the pick of the Wildcats’ attack with a brace of well-taken goals.

Wildcats 2nds also introduced a number of new recruits, but struggled to gain any flow against a strong Welwyn side which was solid in defence and attack in a 13-8 triumph.

Luke Gurton, playing his first home game for the Wildcats, was top scorer with four goals and showed a determination to lead by example.

On Sunday the ladies lost 13-9 to Caterham. The team included two new starters, Rebecca Crossland and Rebecca Wolstenholme, playing their first competitive games.

Next Saturday the 1sts are at home to Bristol (2pm) and the 2nds travel to play Spencer 3rds in London. Entry to the 1sts match is free of charge.