THE Games – a much-acclaimed 1970 British film directed by Michael Winner with a star-studded cast including Michael Crawford, Ryan O'Neal and Charles Aznavour – received another screening on TV last weekend.

And that stirred the memories of Tilehurst resident and Reading FC historian David Downs, as he was one of the film's many extras.

It featured Crawford, playing the role of milkman Harry Hayes, becoming a cross-country runner and one of his races was shot at Prospect Park in Reading, on the day when there was an actual meeting taking place.

"We were told to stand by the finishing line and cheer him home," said David. "There were a lot of other people there as well, and I think they included a number of Reading Athletic Club members."

The film is about four marathon runners – one from England, an America, a Czechoslovakian and an Australian Aborigine – who eventually compete at a fictitious Olympics in Rome.

ALSO making a TV appearance last week was Ekow Elliott, who is on Reading FC's coaching staff and who also plays for FA Vase holders Thatcham Town in the Evo-Stik League South.

He appeared on ITV quiz show The Chase, hosted by Bradley Walsh, who as a youngster played professional football for Brentford.

Ekow was one of four contestants who at one point had banked £25,000 from answering questions, but in the final they lost out to the chaser, Shaun Wallace, and went home empty handed.

WHEN Reading Cricket Club appoint their 1st XI captain for 2019 he will no doubt be told to make sure the weekly match fees are collected on time.

I understand the club were owed around £2,000 by players at the end of last season, although a number did later pay up.

That outstanding amount doesn't seem a great deal, but it is of vital importance for a club that struggles to generate sufficient revenue to cover their ever-increasing costs.

Following three consecutive relegations, Reading are unlikely to restore former glories until they find a substantial backer.