READING Lionesses have risen to the summit of the Southwest Women's League in their maiden season after a run of three straight home victories.

The sequence began with a comfortable 20-13 win against a youthful Poole Phoenix side. Early goals from Catarina Silva and Svenja Palmer meant the hosts were 12-8 up at the halfway mark, and Emese Mozes-Racz's total of nine goals ensured a comfortable win.

Nicoleta Nastase and Marta Johansen were among the goals as the Lionesses then beat Bristol 23-22 in a thriller, though they were endebted to some fine saves from Andreea Szabo.
Reading's next three points were earned against Bath University with their biggest win of the season so far, 22-14. The first thirty minutes didn't go entirely to plan, as the lead regularly changed hands, which was reflected by the 9-9 half time score.

The Lionesses made the difference in the second half, as they didn't concede a single goal in the opening fifteen minutes thanks to an excellent defensive display and some great saves by Malgorzata Niedbalo. Reading seized the advantage in attack, with Nastase and debutant Milda Drungyte providing the goals. Bath eventually broke their duck but goals from Barbara Flis made sure they were no more than consolations, as the Berkshire side went to the top of the table at the halfway point.

Reading Lions took a big step towards Championship survival with a convincing 32-17 away win against Olympic Catuvellauni.

Top scorer Artem Kuybida was on target during the opening minutes as the sides traded goals, but the visitors began to dominate soon after with Nastase and Maisonny both continuing their fine form in front of goal, whilst the "Oly Cats" could rarely break through the Lions solid defence, as the Berkshire boys opened up a 17-8 half time lead.

Catuvellauni changed their defensive formation in the second half to stifle the Reading attack, but could not take advantage in attack, scoring just four times from open play after the break. Ioannis Tsilkos in the Reading goal was in brilliant form, as he pulled off a great penalty save.

Reading found their rhythm again in attack as they increased the lead to fifteen, with man of the match Adam Thorne scoring his second of the game past Great Britain goalkeeper Bobby White to wrap up an excellent team performance.

Reading Lions were previousl knocked out of the National Cup 42-15 by NEM Hawks.

Razvan Nastase and Fab Maisonny both scored early for Lions to keep the score level at 4-4, but by half time it was 20-7 to the top-flight Hawks.
Francisco Camacho and Nastase added some respectability to Reading's goal tally in the second half, but they were well beaten.