INCONSISTENT Reading Wildcats were left to rue a disappointing first-half display as they were beaten 12-7 at home to Hillcroft on Saturday.

The visitors played some beautiful free-flowing lacrosse – capped by clinical finishing – as they ran Reading ragged in taking a 7-1 half-time lead.

The third quarter saw a slight improvement by Wildcats with Paul Milner and Ben Bucannon both scoring, but they still trailed 11-3.

Only in the fourth quarter did the hosts finally wake up, winning the final period 4-1 in a spell of play which suggested what might have been had they been able to match it for the full contest.

Milner scored a hat-trick and Ben Snider a brace for Wildcats, with Zak Rooney and Bucannon also on target.

Reading Wildscats 2nds were obliterated 18-2 by title contenders Spencer 3rds, despite John Cutler having an outstanding game in goal.