IT was a bye week for many of our local clubs last weekend, but Redingensians Rams continue to march up the National Two South table following their thrashing of Broadstreet.

In fact, it was the second successive Saturday Rams had wracked up 47 points and they are now fifth in the table.

With one-from-bottom and yet-to-win Old Redcliffians the visitors this Saturday, they should feel confident of a third straight win.

My boys Reading will be in action at Holme Park with the visit of Berkshire rivals Thatcham.

They arrive with confidence after almost scoring 100 points against Drifters last weekend, a win which moved them up to third in the table.

The try haul included four for wing Liam Rowland who grabbed his first in the opening 30 seconds.

We’ve never played them in the league before and one of our old skippers, John Dixon, helps coach them while they include his son Chris.

John also has the back-up of another of our ex-players, Paul Roberts, whose son Ollie also play.

As for Reading Abbey, they are off to Oxfordshire-based Gosford All Blacks, one of three clubs at the bottom of the table who have yet to win after four outings.

So I am sure Abbey will want to come away with a large win down there to set themselves up nicely for the following week at home to High Wycombe before taking on us at Sonning Lane the following week.

Sadly, London Irish’s European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign didn’t get off to a great start as they crashed to a heavy defeat against Edinburgh Rugby at the Madejski Stadium.

It doesn’t get any easier for them as they visit Stade Francais in Paris this Saturday.

Berkshire Shire Hall seek a first BB&O Championship win at Faringdon.

And lastly, was Saracens’ 57-13 annihilation of Northampton in the Champions Cup one of the best club performances of recent times?

They certainly put in a huge shift at Franklin's Gardens, and Jamie George most definitely edged his duel with rival England hooker Dylan Hartley.