READING Raiders are primed and ready for their first ever competitive fixture on home soil this Saturday.

Brighton-based Sussex Merlins are the first London & South East Championship opponents to travel to Berkshire for both clubs’ second game in the competition, which takes place at Berkshire County Sports Club at 2pm.

The Raiders played their first ever competitive game away to London Chargers A in Surrey in the Championship last Saturday, and eventually succumbed to a 36-20 defeat. However, this was a brave effort having recovered well from an early 14-0 deficit.

Reading will be looking to preserve their 100% home record after beating Swindon St George A 52-20 in the second leg of the inaugural friendly Kennet Cup fixtures last August.

Chairman Andrew Belt said: “Preparations for this season have been going really well. Players who turned out for us last year have returned hungry to play again and we’ve welcomed a healthy number of new players to the club too.

“It was a great moment to play our first ever competitive game in the London second tier last Saturday and I was massively encouraged by our debut performance in the League.

“Hopefully we can show similar commitment on the field this week and it would be fantastic if we could get our first win in the Championship too.”

If you would like to get involved with the Raiders on or off the pitch, email readingroyalsrlfc@gmail.com.

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