READING Abbey Ladies’ coach Jack Reynolds admits his side’s ‘never say die’ attitude will be the key to unlocking their promotion ambitions in their play-off showdown this weekend, writes Fiona Tomas.

The Nuns take on Hampstead Ladies on Sunday at Windsor RFC in the biggest match of the side’s five-year history.

A win would seal a second promotion for the Berkshire outfit in as many seasons and ascend to the second tier of women’s rugby in England – one below the RFU’s elite Tyrrells Premier 15s league where many internationals play the game.

It would be a remarkable achievement for the women’s side, which was only formed five years ago under co-founders Annette Tomas and Claire Stevens.

Reynolds is confident his players can go all the way and add a promotion to the illustrious consecutive league title they claimed a fortnight ago.

“These are the sort of games you dream of as a player,” he said.

“The girls deserve all the credit for getting to this position and I think we’ve got a really good chance of getting a result.

“But whichever way the result goes on Sunday, the side can be proud of winning a league title at the first time of asking and for their never say die attitude.”

A 45-10 victory over Teddington last weekend saw the Nuns finish nine points clear at the top of Championship South West 2 to round off another successful season.

The side were also crowned ‘Team of the Year’ at the 2018 Reading Sports Awards on the same day for their unbeaten 2016-17 season.

And Reynolds believes his seasoned outfit have the ability to perform in one of the most important games of rugby they’ll ever play.

He said: “This side has threats all over the park. Hollie King, Joey Fowler and Annabel Hawkins can punch holes in most defences.

“Abi Ung-San has the ability to make something of nothing with her footwork and we’ve a backline which can carve defences to pieces."

He continued: “Alice Denton has some of the best hand’s I’ve seen in the women’s game and Lou Burgham is a natural finisher.

“Combine these with Ellie Rice and Nat Bow, whose decision-making has put the Nuns on the front foot all season, and we are in a good position.”

Reynolds, who plays hooker for Redingensians’ third team, hailed his team as unique and for their achievement of reaching the play-offs.

“You could put a monkey in a tracksuit as coach and they would still be in this position because they’re a special group.

“For me personally, this has got to be one of my most enjoyable seasons in my coaching career.”

  • READING Abbey men dropped to eighth place in the Southern Counties North table following a 41-27 defeat at Berkshire rivals Thatcham on Saturday.

A Sean Richardson try put Thatcham in front after just three minutes, although three Matt Gingell penalties then put Abbey 9-5 up midway through the half.

Richardson's second and a Joe Leadley penalty edged Thatcham in front before Gingell landed his fourth kick, only for Mark Smith's converted try to put the hosts 20-12 up at the break.

An Arron Ross score cut the gap before Marty Butler crossed for a converted Thatcham try, but Abbey front rows Adam Postlethwaite and Luke Daniels both dotted down to level things at 27-27.

However, Thatcham had the final word, Smith grabbing a second and wing Jack Harwood also going over with the extras added both times.

Reading Abbey host Wallingford this Saturday.