It was just mind-blowing stuff from start to finish and it underlines how much this great game of ours has advanced in recent years and what a fantastic spectator sport has now become.

And, if the IRB World Cup - which kicks-off with the England versus Fiji on Friday, September 18th - serves up a host of games of the calibre we witnessed last weekend then our local clubs and those across the country had better prepare themselves for a deluge of new players, young and not-so-young, pouring in once it is all over.

I remember the 1991 World Cup held in the UK and it took the clubs completely by surprise at the stream of youngsters, ex-players and newcomers turning up at their local clubs.

Anyway, back to last weekend and fair play to Ireland who, I suppose, had a fairly predictable win over hosts Scotland by 40-10 which, ultimately, ensured they retained the Six Nations title on points difference and, sadly, for Scotland, that they ended up with the wooden spoon.

No doubt it was of great relief and joy to the Italians who, for once, did not end up at the very bottom of the heap and showed great character in holding Wales back for much of their final game in Rome before Wales opened up in the closing stages to win handsomely 61-20.

And then there was England. So close to the title and yet so far away! What a match to end the Championship on. If anybody had said to you it would be a win for England 55-35 over France before the start of that match they would have looked at you as though you were bonkers!

But it was stunning stuff, and to have the Six Nations Championship title denied you by the lack of one converted try was heart-breaking for the England players. But that's sport and that's why we love it so much.

And, talking of close calls, I was very proud of my Reading boys last Saturday who put in a ferocious, hard-tackling performance at Holme Park against the SW1 leaders Chippenham before going down 41-39.

It was a great game, you just didn't know who was going to win. Unfortunately they did but, at least, we got two bonus points out of the game which sees us now safe from any relegation threat and with a chance of finishing a couple places higher up the table if we keep going like that over the final few games.

Our 2nd team also won 30-12 against Henley at our place and what with everything that was going on last Saturday, the club was really buzzing and a great place to be.

Both of the bars where full of people watching the games, and supporting the homes sides. As we had the ex-players day it was great to see some of the old faces up there like Ian Turrell, Roger Clark, John Dixon and Ian MacGeever to mention a few. It was just like the good old days.

Finally well-done to both Redingensians Rams and Reading Abbey who both won last weekend.

Rams had another comfortable win at Oxford Harlequins by 65-5, their third win over 60 points this season. With just three games to go and a 10-point advantage over Exmouth, I just can't see them missing out on promotion.

And that's the same for Reading Abbey who maintained their 100% BB&O Premiership record with their 17th straight win of the season by 45-7 away to Chipping Norton, sealing promotion in the process.

That's it from me. See you next week!

Andy

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