WITH London Irish enjoying a two-week break at the start of the Six Nations, the main event on the local scene last weekend was Rams' National One home game with Blackheath.

It's been a memorable first campaign at this rarefied level for Seb Reynolds' men, but unfortunately they went down 31-18 to one of the oldest outfits in the world game.

Having led 18-17 midway through the second half, Rams would have hoped to kick on and secure a try bonus-point, but they were left to rue some missed conversion attempts from Tom Humberstone and a magnificent display of place-kicking from the Club's Mark Cooke as Blackheath left with a five-point haul.

The defeat sees Rams drop to third in the table, but they are now eight points adrift of title favourites Richmond.

With nine games remaining, time is running out for the Old Bath Road to achieve one of the most extraordinary achievements in claiming back-to-back promotions, and to keep their dreams alive, they really need to beat visitors Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

My boys Reading made it nine wins on the spin as we stayed second in Southern Counties North – but we were given an almighty scare before edging past Wallingford 13-12.

They didn't look like a side struggling for form as they led in they dying moments, only for our stalwart Alex Dorliac to kick a dramatic late penalty to snatch victory.

Reading Abbey's season of woe continued as they couldn't convert the solid platform laid by their forwards at Stow-on-the-Wold, going down to a 31-17 reverse against a side they'd beaten earlier in the season.

Neither of us has a game this weekend as our players enjoy a well-deserved rest, but we'll be back fighting at opposite ends of the table on February 15.

Lastly, in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Two South, Berkshire Shire Hall recorded another win with a 31-7 triumph at Thatcham 2nds.

And what of the Six Nations? A dreadful first-half led to England's defeat in France, while Scotland will feel they blew a great chance to beat Ireland in Dublin.

With Wales crushing Italy, there is all to play for in week two.