READING Wildcats performed creditably in the annual pre-season eight-a-side tournament held at Bath on Saturday.

The format was a round-robin pool stage involving 33 teams, where sides play randomly selected opponents. Ten points are awarded for a win, five for a draw and an additional point per goal.

Reading, with a few new signings, started the day well with a 5-0 hammering of Birmingham, but were brought crashing down to earth in the second game as they lost to Rochdale by the same score.

Wildcats then faced South of England Premiership rivals Hitchin, falling two goals behind before fighting back to eventually win 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.

Up next were reigning Premiership champions Hampstead, and the London side known for their international stars took the game 5-2.

With only the top eight progressing, Reading turned on the style in their penultimate group game, thrashing Cheltenham 8-1 to put them in contention for qualification.

However, despite a fine performance, they could only draw 3-3 with Cardiff and were so knocked out.

London club Spencer triumphed in the final, beating Sheffield Steelers 5-2 to become the first southern club to win the tournament in 20 years.

This coming Saturday Wildcats host their annual scrimmage between their 1st and 2nd teams at the John Madejski Academy (2pm). There is free entry and all are welcome.