While nearly all of the National League teams were having a restful Sunday, having played the day before, Reading hosted a double header with their men, sponsored by YouLink HR, beating Beeston 2-1 and their women triumphing 1-0 against Slough. Whether the spectators, who were charged £8 on the gate (cheaper on line), received value for money was debatable.
Reading men fielded all their England internationals except Iain Mackay and Nick Brothers. Two first half goals within a minute scored by Andy Watts and Jonty Clarke looked to have set them on the way to a comfortable victory but Beeston struck back quickly with captain Adam Dixon converting a penalty corner and Reading squandered six penalty corners, George Pinner saving five of them. In the last three minutes Dixon had two opportunities to equalise but Jamie Legg denied him saving in open play and with a spectacular dive at a penalty corner.
The Ladies match was a drab affair. Rebecca Halle scored the only goal ten minutes from time for Reading who were missing their England players who are due to return next week. The biggest talking point was the numbers worn by Reading. Twelve players had different numbers from the programme. The excuse was that their new Adidas kit had only arrived a day previously. Work that out. At least the names were right. Slough's Kat McGonigle was not only played wearing a shirt with goalkeeper Kate Filochowski's number, but also her name. This cannot be the way to promote hockey.
