READING CC skipper David Hartley has told his young players to start showing their class.

The Sonning Lane club have gone eight weeks without a win in Home Counties Division Two West.

Last weekend's six-wicket home defeat by rivals Oxford also sounded the relegation alarm bells after Hartley's side lost their last nine wickets for a mere 47 runs.

But he also insisted Reading are a much more talented side than recent results suggest.

He told the Chronicle: "We've got a young side of very good players.

"A lot of them play representative cricket and some are with first class counties.

"I'm sure they realise their county selectors look at their performances in league cricket.

"You can't just turn up on a Saturday thinking 'I've got another game tomorrow'."

Reading has a rich history of producing outstanding players like ex-England international Aftab Habib and several of their top youngsters are contracted to first class academies.

But Hartley believed there is plenty of room for improvement.

"Good players stand out whatever level they're playing at," he argued. "Reading Cricket Club has produced a lot of Minor Counties, first class and even international players over the years.

"We've got to make sure the side we puts out gives these young players the very best opportunity to thrive."