READING Hockey Club are resigned to losing players to other rival clubs who are able to offer financial rewards – and it appears Premier Division newcomers Old Georgians are going to benefit the most.

The ambitious Weybridge club won Conference East last season with a side containing former Reading players Dan Shingles and Ed Carson.

Now, Ed's brother Tom has joined them and one or two others are expected to follow.

Tom spent six seasons with the Blues, two of them captaining the 1st XI, before going to play for Royal Beerschot in Belgium last season, helping them to finish second in the league, but now he has decided to leave, commenting: "Loved my year in Belgium, but it's time to come home."

He also landed himself with a new job as head of boys' hockey at St George's College.

Old Georgians will visit Sonning Lane on November 30.

In the meantime, the Reading hockey fraternity, along with the cricket section, are looking to raise much-needed funds following a loss of £13.1k in their last financial year.

CLUB cricket for women and girls in Reading has been in decline in recent years, with the days when England internationals Claire Taylor and Isa Guha played at Sonning Lane now a distant memory.

Berkshire Cricket Board offers excellent opportunities for girls with teams ranging for all ages up to senior level, while there are close to 20 clubs around the county with sides, but Reading are not among them.

However, that could change with the club recently revealing there is the 'possibility' of reintroducing a female section in the near future.

SHINFIELD Rangers Football Club are continuing their support for disabled youngsters through their Bobicats scheme, which recently deservedly earned them the FA Project of the Year award.

Sessions are designed for children aged from five to 12 who may struggle to take part in mainstream football with all coaches being trained to deliver disability football.

The new term will start on Sunday, September 8, from 1pm, at the Ryeish Green Sports Hub.