IF you work hard enough, you will one day earn your reward.

Steve Workman discovered that last weekend along with his Sonning Hockey Club 3rd XI teammates.

He scored his first goal for more than four years as his side recorded their first win in MBBO Division Three for around one-and-a-half years, defeating Oxford 4ths 4-1.

And, though Elliot Weiss netted twice, Steve’s achievement was recognised by England Hockey as they selected him for their Team of the Week.

Named alongside him in the attack was Lucy Scott, who scored four goals in Reading Ladies Rockets’ 7-0 win over Old Cranleighans in the Tier Three Championship tie.

  • READING Hockey Club are lining up some exciting lots for their auction fund-raiser on March 3.

Among the items to go under the hammer are tickets for Henley Royal Regatta, race days, signed football memorabilia and plenty of things related to hockey.

The auctioneer will be the club’s former three-time Olympian goalkeeper Simon Mason, the president of England Hockey.

Another Olympian, Jason Lee, now Reading’s head coach, will be the guest speaker.

  • THE Hellenic League fixtures have been extended to well into April and, unless we have a rain-free spring, the season could even last until May.

Highmoor Ibis and Woodley United, who both have seven Hellenic League Premier Division home games as well as ongoing Reading Senior Cup commitments, have been particularly badly hit as the Thames ships water Rivermoor Stadium’s way.

Highmoor so far have three fixtures arranged for April, including one against Binfield on the 16th, while Woodley will be in action until at least the 21st of the month when they host Tuffley Rovers.

Both the local sides currently occupy a place in the bottom three, so the battle to avoid relegation looks set to be a long, drawn-out affair.

Reading desperately needs an all-weather ground suitable for non-league football similar to those at Bracknell and Slough.

Sadly, that won’t happen in a town not noted for showing much interest in providing first-class sports facilities.