A BERKSHIRE cricket team celebrated its achievements throughout 2023 at its end-of-season awards ceremony on Saturday, September 30.
More than 90 Reading United Cricket Club members attended the event at the Coronation Hall in Woodley, with retired Indian international wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta and former leader of Wokingham Borough Council Clive Jones making guest appearances.
The club had won three of the four divisions they competed in this season, and players and their families were able to take part in an evening filled with joy and a sense of community.
Kiran Alluri, chairman of Reading United, said: “Both Deep Dasgupta and Clive Jones congratulated the club on their success this season and said they were hoping for similar success next year, presenting members with individual and team awards.
“Everyone had a delicious meal and enjoyed the music performance from Suresh Paluri, one of the club’s members.”
Also present to present awards were Bobby Malik, a former Pakistani professional cricketer who now holds leading roles at Pure Cricket Academy and Sonning Cricket Club, as well as Vivek Sharma, chairman of Calcot Cricket Club, and Sri Tanguturi of the Chennai Super Kings academy in Reading.
Reading United was formed in 2021, with the aim of bringing together families and communities who share cricket as a common interest. Its three table-topping teams were promoted to higher divisions within the Berkshire Cricket league, with the club praising the impact colts and young adults have played in those successful campaigns.
Looking ahead to 2024, the club wants to continue working alongside Wokingham’s local authorities to find a permanent home ground.
Kiran and other committee members delivered speeches throughout the night, and the chairman made sure to recognise Reading Blue Coat and Reading Boys School for allowing them to use their pitches for the past three years.
The club is also encouraging those who are keen to play club cricket to get in touch.
For more information, visit: www.readingunitedcc.play-cricket.com/home
