KHALID ‘Bobby’ Malik confirmed this week he has left Reading Cricket Club and will be rejoining Falkland CC.

He was head coach and skipper last season, but unable to prevent them from being relegated to Division Two of the Home Counties Premier League.

Malik announced a few weeks ago he was relinquishing the captain’s role and it’s no surprise he has also left the club.

He told team-mates: “It has been an amazing working with you all these last five years. I will miss your enthusiasm, perseverance and the ‘never say die’ spirit and, of course, the talent you brought.”

Malik signed a contract with Thames Valley League Division One club Falkland last week.

“Sonning also made me a good offer, but I accepted the one from my old club,” he added.

The spin bowler will be Falkland’s head coach and play in the first team.

Head of the Pure Cricket Academy, he also coaches at Leighton Park School and Bradfield College, whilst helping Berkshire CCC’s under-17 spinners. He received an ECB Coach of the Year award last season.

Reading commence their HCPL fixtures at Buckingham Town on May 6, with their first home game against Amersham a week later.

WESTWOOD United FC official Ken Tudgay is still running the line at the age of 81.

He took the role of assistant referee at his club’s reserve match against Marcham recently.

“I did it for about 20 minutes before one of the substitutes took over,” said the former referee. “I still feel I can do 45 minutes, but 90 is probably a bit too much.”

Last Tuesday Ken was at Buckingham Palace to attend a reception for the gardening-based charity Thrive hosted by its patron, Princess Alexandra.

The Queen also popped in, but left before Ken could have a chat about, among other topics, the Royals – that’s Reading FC of course.