I’M not one to gloat but, just in case you’ve not heard the result of ‘my boys’ Reading’s derby clash with Reading Abbey last Saturday, we edged it by four points.

It was only our third win of the season and still leaves us trailing well behind the rest of the South West One East table, but it was a great boost for us and by far our best performance of the season.

We battled our way to a result, and No.8 Charlie Davies was instrumental in disrupting Abbey’s line-out, and we scrummaged with greater intensity.

Another influential player was wing Stuart Borthwick, who was playing his final game for us before moving away.

It was certainly a much-needed win and will have massively boosted the squad’s confidence for our home game against Swindon on Saturday.

Greene King IPA Championship leaders London Irish thrashed Nottingham, while Redingensians Rams comfortably beat Exmouth to move five points behind seventh-placed Canterbury in National Two South, albeit with a game in hand. They visit Barnes this Saturday, and in the BB&O Championship, Berkshire Shire Hall travel to Harwell after beating Farnham Royal to reach the county Junior Vase final.

In the Six Nations, England stretched their winning run to a record-breaking 15 matches, but coach Eddie Jones won’t be happy in what was a cagey Six Nations opener.

The French rose to the occasion and were on the front foot for long periods in the first half, but Jones is never reluctant to make bold changes.

Bringing on Ben Te’o for George Ford worked wonders – the Worcester star making an instant impact as he scored on his Championship debut. James Haskell also put in another solid performances when he came on and the trusty boot of Owen Farrell helped England home.

Scotland defied the odds to get the better of an Ireland side who failed to hit the heights of their autumn series, while Wales won handsomely in Italy, although they were behind at half time.

All roads now point to Cardiff for the massive showdown between Wales and England on Saturday.

Ireland visit Italy, while France host Scotland on Sunday.