WEST Reading begin their Premier Division campaign this Saturday as they aim to finally break their top-flight title duck, writes Richard Ashton.

Adam Davidson’s men have been consistently near the head of the table in recent years, but despite finishing as runners-up on three occasions, they are yet to grab championship glory.

Wests continued their build-up for the new season with an agonising one-wicket defeat at Chobham on Saturday.

Qamar Abbas top scored for the visitors with 76 in their total of 204, while Afzal Hussain chipped in with 38.

However, despite Hafeez Ul-Wahab (4-42) and Davidson (3-28) starring with the ball, Chobham were able to seal the victory in style, a maximum securing victory.

West Reading also played Woodley on Saturday, using a combination of 2nds and 3rds players in drawing the game.

Emad Khan (61) and Vinay Kumar (43) led Woodley to a competitive 227-8 in their 40 overs, while Adeel Rafique claimed 3-58 and Wasim Akram returned 2-33.

Hasnain Jamil (42) and Saadat Khan (61) batted well in the reply, but after they were dismissed, Wests struggled to keep up with the rate and eventually closed on 198-6.

Azeem Qayyum (3-48) was the pick of the Woodley attack.

The BCL top flight looks a competitive affair for the coming season, with Wests and reigning champions Sulhamstead likely to be joined in competing at the top by 2014 champions Peppard Stoke Row – bolstered by a handful of new signings – and last season’s runners-up Crowthorne & Crown Wood.

Woodley are dangerous on their day, while Woodcote have the potential to take the honours if they can retain solid availability.

Mortimer West End will be hoping to make the most of their reprieve in staying in the top flight, given to them after BCS Grosvenor were expelled from the league in the off season.

The top flight is rounded off by Ruislip Victoria and newly-promoted Emmbrook & Bearwood and Welford Park.

In Division One, relegated Sandhurst will start as clear favourites led by Adam Birch, while Berks County Sports are expected to be contenders.

Division Two could see the promoted clubs Waltham St Lawrence and Emmbrook & Bearwood 2nds mount a challenge along with Peppard Stoke Row 2nds, who were relegated last season.

In Division Three, West Reading 3rds look strong, but Warfield, Woodley 2nds and Purley 3rds will also fancy their chances, and in Division Four, Bradfield 2nds might be a good bet along with new boys, Binfield 3rds.

The league has some vacancies for qualified umpires on its Umpire Panel which operates in the Premier Division. Anyone interested should contact the league secretary, Sam Peates, by email secretary@thebcl.org.