READING Cricket Club have had their place confirmed in Division One of the Thames Valley League.

And they hope it will be the stepping stone for them to turn their fortunes around following two successive relegations in the Home Counties Premier League.

With their travelling to away games heavily reduced and a later start time to matches, the Sonning Lane club will be hoping to attract new players.

Their first-team squad will certainly need strengthening as two of their most experienced players, Pav Chima and Qasim Ali, have indicated they are “looking for a fresh challenge” away from the club.

Reading's opponents next season, which starts on May 5, will be Boyne Hill, Cookham Dean, Cove, Falkland, Gerrards Cross, Henley 2nds, North Maidenhead, Slough 2nds and Stoke Green.

The club will also be fielding three other teams in the TVL, playing in divisions 5b, 6b and 9a.

  • HIGHMOOR Ibis FC have been trying hard to coax player-manager Marcus Richardson back to the club following his recent resignation, but I understand he is reluctant to return.

In the past couple of weeks, the Rivermoor club also came close to losing striker Mitchell Parker with Hellenic League rivals Bracknell Town making him a decent offer.

But he is likely to stay, particularly as Bracknell have now re-signed their leading scorer of last season, TJ Bohane, from Swindon Supermarine.

In their search for a replacement for Richardson, Highmoor have been linked with Geoff Warner, the Bracknell coach, but it is doubtful if the former Reading FC Academy coach will want to manage a club.

  • READING FC and its Community Trust, along with Reading law firm Field Seymour Parkes are among the companies continuing their support for the Get Berkshire Active awards.

This popular annual event celebrates and rewards the achievements and commitments of local people involved in sport and physical activity.

Nominations for the 12 categories will be accepted until December 1.