Reading struggled to gain three points against Western Wildcats in their opening match in the European Cup Winners Cup in front of a home crowd this afternoon. Reading nearly went one down early in the match, but Simon Mason saved the day with a penalty stroke save against Wildcat's Jo Simpson. The match remained scoreless until the 61st minute, but a penalty corner deflection by Jon Wyatt and a field goal Andy Watts gave Reading the day. Final score 2-1. Favourites to take the title, Dutch side Bloemendall, gave a twelve-goal demonstration against French outsiders CA Montrouge in Pool B. Reading play the Russian side Dinamo Electrostal in their second match tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the women's tournament in Edinburgh, Leicester drew 1-1 against the Spanish side Polo Club Barcelona.
