ANDY Watts scored twice as Reading defeated Brooklands MU 4-2 to reach the final of the England Hockey Cup, writes Dave Wright.

They will take on league rivals Canterbury at Lee Valley in east London on Saturday, April 29.

It will be Watts’ last game as coach as he is standing down at the end of the season.

He may, however, continue to play next season. although not on a regular basis.

His last home appearance on Sunday could hardly have gone any better.

“It was a good way to finish off,” he said. “I was pleased with my two goals as I haven’t scored too many this season.”

Watts netted his first on 15 minutes after Kiran Patel’s effort had been blocked.

Blues were well on top at this stage with Ben Boon causing plenty of problems for the Brooklands defence and the forward was unlucky not to have scored.

Rick Mantell, who is in two minds about retiring, doubled the lead in the 29th minute with one of his trademark penalty corner flicks, finding the top right-hand corner of the net.

Reading thoroughly deserved their half-time lead, but there was a shock for them in the opening minute of the second half.

Sam Perrin turned in David Flanagan’s cross to reduce the deficit and this led to the visitors enjoying their best spell of the match.

Brooklands, who had won 4-2 in the league at Sonning Lane in February, equalised in the 55th minute with Reading protesting it should have been disallowed due to the cross into the circle being high and dangerous.

“When they made it 2-2 I got a bit nervous as I thought we might throw the game away,” Watts admitted later.

But Blues weathered the storm and two goals in quick succession swung this semi-final tie back in their favour.

Watts restored his side’s lead in the 59th minute and two minutes later he combined with Jonty Clarke to set up a deserved goal for Boon.

It was Clarke’s final appearance at Sonning Lane as he is retiring at the end of the season.

“I am definitely going to quit,” he said. “My body hurts quite a lot. I’ve got a sore ankle and knee. I am also looking to move house back to Essex, where I grew up.”

Another quitting at the end of the season is manager Chris Davey.

“After 12 years looking after the group it is time for some fresh blood to be part of the next phase of Reading Hockey,” he said.

“I’ve had some wonderful times, great successes and fantastic European adventures. It’s been a privilege to be part of a squad with so many great players over the years.”

Reading are hoping to name both their new manager and coach as soon as possible, and the appointments could come from within the club.

Club chairman Tim Mann commented: “There are exciting times ahead for this club.”

Reading will be hoping to lift two trophies at Lee Valley on April 29 as they will also be taking on holders Ben Rydding (Yorkshire) in the national Over-50s final.

Blues keeper Tommy Alexander and defender Tim Atkins can also look forward to further appearances in London.

Both are part of the Scotland squad who have qualified for the World League semi-final on June 15-27.

They were one of the two top ranking teams – the other being Egypt – to finish third following the completion of the World League 2 tournaments.

But the USA, captained by Reading’s Ajai Dhadwal, miss out. After finishing third in Trinidad last weekend behind Japan and Canada, they are left 26th in the world rankings, three behind Scotland.