READING Wildcats battled to a well-deserved 9-6 victory at Hitchin to leave themselves with a fighting chance of finishing third in the South Lacrosse League Premier Division.

The John Madejski Academy-based side sit fifth in the table with four games remaining, and host lowly Cambridge Eagles this Saturday (2pm).

The Eagles won promotion to the top flight last season, and while they have found the going tough this time out, they will be buoyed by an impressive 10-0 victory against Bristol Bombers.

Reading Wildcats 2nds were beaten 18-7 by London University.