JACK Beaven and Kashif Nasim took the honours as Reading CC defeated Spencer by three runs in the first round of the National Club Championship at Sonning Lane on Sunday, writes Dave Wright.

All-rounder Beaven blasted a brilliant 86 not out, including three 6s and seven 4s, to help take Reading to 198-9 in their 45 overs.

Sunny Jheeta was his side’s next highest scorer with 28, followed by Firaz Amjad with 16 and Pav Chima 15.

There were also 29 extras, including 22 wides, and they were to prove the main difference between the two teams.

Reading then restricted Surrey side Spencer to 195-9 with Beaven conceding only seven runs in the final over.

Spinner Kashif Nasim was the stand-out bowler with 5-26 off his eight overs, while brother Atif took 2-27 and Qasim Ali 1-32 with the other wicket falling to a run out by Beaven.

James Smith top scored for Spencer on 56, with James Hendrickson contributing 29 and Mike Edwards 27. Reading will be away to Teddington in the second round on Sunday, May 8.

With several players leaving during the close season, the Sonning Lane club have brought in Australian batsman Ryan James as their overseas player.

They have also signed experienced Pakistan wicket-keeper Muhammed Qaisar, whose previous clubs include Guildford City.

Both made their debuts when Reading lost a friendly to Slough by 12 runs at Sonning Lane on Saturday.

The visitors made 161-9 in 40 overs with opening batsmen Mohammed Avas and Waqas Hussain scoring 41 and 34 respectively before being dismissed by Kashif Nasim.

Nasim finished with 4-28 off eight overs, while Qasim Ali took 1-13, Bobby Malik 1-20 and Ian Slatcher 1-27.

After losing Tom Fray to the first ball, Pav Chima (25), Martin Andersson (31) and James (25) improved the situation before Beaven hit 39, but Reading were bowled out for 149.

The main wicket takers for Slough were Hussain with 3-28 and Feroz Baig 3-36.

Club coach and first XI captain Malik is the Berkshire winner of the ECB Category Two Coach of the Year.

In addition to Reading, he coaches at Bradfield College, Leighton Park School, Binfield CC, Aldershot CC and Waingels College, Woodley.

Malik will receive his award during the lunch interval of the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at the Oval on Friday, August 12.