READING are among the countless clubs who will be supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new initiative of getting primary school children interested in the game.

Called All-Stars Cricket, it’s aimed at those aged five to eight years with an eight-week programme being held during the summer.

The emphasis will be on learning the play in a fun and safe environment.

Parents are being asked to register their kids via allstarscricket.co.uk Reading CC secretary Jacqui Salazar said: “We are delighted to be involved and looking forward to many local youngsters coming to our club. We will give them a warm welcome.”

In the meantime, Reading’s adult teams’ preparations for the new season will shortly switch from the indoor nets at Crosfields School to outdoors at the Sonning Lane ground, starting on April 18.

Elite Level 4 coach Danny Housego is said to have proved a tremendous success and he and new team manager Jefferson Jones will shortly be deciding on selecting their squads for all four teams.

They are still seeking a few players of first team level.

  • READING Hockey Club’s two first teams will have new managers next season.

As the Chronicle recently revealed, Chris Davey is retiring from his role with the men’s side, and now Liz Spencer has confirmed she is stepping aside from the ladies’ team.

But both are staying at the club, with Davey planning to turn out occasionally for the Rustlers team, while vice-chairman Spencer is to concentrate on umpiring.

Men’s player-coach Andy Watts is also departing.

  • PEPPARD, the most successful local football club in the 1970-1990 era, are planning to hold a reunion.

The organisers are appealing to all former players, officials and supporters to confirm their interest Former club official Dave North said: “We are seeing what sort of response there is before deciding what type of event we will hold.”

Those interested should contact him at dpnortth3001@gmail.com or Jack Hawkins via paulhawkins@hbha.co.uk