The Chronicle's Dave Wright takes a look at the local sporting scene

The Heathens, managed by Reading resident Marcus Richardson, are currently going well in the Hellenic League Premier Division side, lying in seventh place and are unbeaten in their last 10 league and cup games.

Plans are well advanced for the prestigious seventh annual Get Berkshire Active awards night which takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Reading on February 15.

Among those sponsoring trophies are Reading Football Club Community Foundation, Reading law firm Field Seymour Parkes and Places Leisure, who also sponsored the recent Wokingham Borough Sports Awards held at Bulmershe School, Woodley.

Tickets are available at £40 per person, which includes a three-course meal with wine and coffee.

London Irish Rugby Club may be on their way out of Reading, but it’s good to see them still actively involved in the local community.

They are launching rugby sessions for those aged between 14 and 18 who have learning difficulties or some disability.

The first session will take place at Newbury Rugby Club on Thursday, January 10, starting at 4pm.

Training will be led by highly qualified and trained coaches who have experience of working with young people with additional needs and all sessions are fully risk assessed.

Last weekend a good number of local soccer matches fell victim to the continuous wet weather and there are likely to be a lot more in the next few days.

But it will be business as usual at Bracknell Town and Slough Town, as both boast artificial pitches.

More clubs are now looking to follow suit, with Ascot United planning to install a 3G surface in time for next season and FA Vase winners Thatcham might not be far behind them.

It is believed there could be also be something similar happening in Newbury.

A full-size artificial ground is also badly wanted in Reading and probably the only hope of seeing on in the town rests with Hellenic League club Reading City. They have ambition, but not the money.