Horsham's chances of promotion to the premier division of the British League have received a boost.

After last week's two-day series of matches at Okehampton, Horsham and London Progress are joint leaders in Division One.

Reading, one of Horsham's rivals, blew their chances by failing to raise a full team for two of their four matches.

It has also been confirmed that the London club cannot be promoted as they already have a team in the top flight. This leaves Horsham and Reading as the main contenders.

Uckfield's Nigel Eckersley, the England No.5 veteran who plays for Reading, will be on holiday when the teams meet again on January 16 and two of his team-mates have difficulty reaching the venue at Slough.

Horsham captain Adrian Moore said: "Reading's problems give us a great chance to reach the premier division."