GEOFF Pithers, one of the longest-serving and most respected referees in local football, has been honoured by the Berks and Bucks FA.

He was presented with the Match Official of the Year trophy at Madejski Stadium last Friday when volunteers from across the two counties were recognised for their dedication to the grassroots game.

Thames Valley Counties Women’s League pipped Reading & West Berks League for the Charter Standard League of the year, while Hellenic League side Wokingham & Emmbrook took the club award.

Fitzroy Licorish of Tilehurst Panthers was short listed in the Coach of the Year category, losing out to Mark Johnston of Milton Keynes-based Tattenhoe Under-9s.

During the evening, Thatcham Town received a special recognition award from the Berks & Bucks FA for their historic FA Vase win at Wembley last season.

  • CAVERSHAM resident Sue Jones is to step down as cricket’s National Scorers’ Officer at the end of the season.

“It’’s due mainly to personal circumstances, however, I do believe that a new NSO with a fresh approach can only be good for our ACO (Association of Cricket Officials) members,” said the former Berkshire 1st XI scorer.

“I have very much enjoyed the last three years and am glad to have contributed towards elevating the recognition of recreational scorers; plus awareness of the amount we quietly contribute to the game of cricket.”

“The ACO Conference in October will her last official event.”

Sue remains a regular supporter of the Berkshire team and was a ball sponsor at their championship game against Shropshire at Finchampstead this week.

  • JAMES Royce has become the third player to leave Reading Hockey Club to join Premier Division rivals Surbiton, where he has previously played.

Royce, who joined the Blues for the second half of last season, follows Tim Atkins and Ben Boon to Sugden Road.

Surbiton’s head coach is ex-Reading and England player Mark Pearn.

But returning to Sonning Lane after an absence of three seasons is Olivia Saligoi, having completed her studies at the University of Birmingham.