READING remain bottom of the Thames Valley League Division One table after suffering a disappointing seven-wicket defeat at Slough 2nds, writes Richard Ashton.

After winning the toss, the visitors lost openers Pav Chima and Khurram Mahmood for six apiece – both to Nadeem Syed – before Qasim Ali and off-season signing Billy Rogers rebuilt.

Ali became Syed’s (3-29) third victim when he was caught by Ali Ahmed and when Sukhi Kang was bowled by Naveed Akhtar (4-38) for nine, Reading were in deep trouble.

Firaz Amjad, skipper Mitun Patel and Tom Davies all failed to reach double figures, and when Rogers’ (35) brave resistance was ended by Wakas Ahmed, the writing was well and truly on the wall.

Numbers nine and 10 – Shahbaz Choudry and Dani Katuri – became only the third and fourth players to pass 10, but when they both fell for 12, Reading had been dismissed for only 124.

The visitors needed early wickets to give themselves any hope, but openers Ahmed (16) and Yaqoot Rafiq (17) gave Slough a reasonable platform until they fell lbw to Rogers and run out respectively.

Any hopes of a shock turnaround for Reading were short-lived, though, as Sajid Hussain made 56 before being caught by Katuri off the bowling of Choudry.

By that point the game was basically over, however, and Mohammed Avas made an unbeaten 24 to seal victory after 27 overs.

Reading are at home to North Maidenhead this coming Saturday.

In Division 4a, Reading 2nds took a 208-run pasting at home to table-toppers Binfield.

Mike Staves (86), Steve Carson (64), Chris Morgan (59) and Alex Jackson (40no) were all among the runs as the visitors smashed 298-4 before declaring after 48 overs, and Jackson (5-28) completed a fine individual performance as Reading were skittled for 90.

Reading 3rds (111) were beaten by 139 runs in their Division 6b clash with Aldershot 3rds (250-5 declared after 41 overs).

Aditya Srinivasan was the pick of the Reading attack with 3-21 from seven overs.

A miserable day for the club was completed by Reading 4ths conceding their Division 9a game with Windsor 3rds.