Reading boosted by Hoddle return

Published 18 Aug 2010 09:48 0 Comments

TABLE-topping Reading will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Jamie Hoddle for the promotion run-in which starts with a trip to rivals Finchampstead this Saturday.

Last weekend’s complete wash-out in Home Counties Premier League Division Two West means Reading still lead the way by 15 points from nearest challengers Falkland with three games to go.

Now the return of Hoddle from a six week lay-off with ankle ligament damage should further enhance the club’s promotion credentials.

“It’s great having Jamie back,” declared skipper David Barr. “He’s an important player and the lads have done well to get to where they are without him.

“He’s been working hard on his fitness and his ankle is standing up well. He’s been netting with Middlesex and all seems to be fine.”

Reading’s home fixture against Dinton - a game they were strong favourites to win - was cancelled despite the best efforts of Mark Simmons and Roger Beaven to dry out the Sonning Lane pitch.

But with every other game finishing the same way last weekend, it is as-you-were in Division Two West with one game less to play.

“I wouldn’t mind if every game was rained off from here and we stayed top,” quipped Barr. “But that’s as long as no-one was able to play so I don’t think I’ll risk it.

“But seriously, we’re not thinking any further ahead than Finchampstead on the weekend.”

A win would edge Reading closer to the title, and plunge Finch closer to the relegation trap door.

Reading triumphed by six wickets when the sides met in June and Finch are currently one place off the bottom.

However, Barr warned: “I don’t see Finch as a low-table side because they have good players.

“The young guys are coming through and they can beat anyone on their day.

“But we’ll approach it like any other game and try to keep our focus.”

Reading’s next fixture after Finch is a potential title-decider against Falkland at Sonning Lane on Saturday week.

And Barr added: “It could be a pivotal game for both of us, but first we need a good result at Finch.”

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