‘THEY’D put 70 points on Hull Ionians the week before and we wondered what we were up against’ – Seb Reynolds looks back to the first-ever National One game at Old Bath Road as Rams held off Birmingham Moseley 25-21 in an epic Week Two encounter in September, 2019.

The Berkshire boys had won 34-28 at Cambridge to kick-start their season but lit the fire for a phenomenal run as they squeezed past Mose en route to four wins at Level Three, Richmond, Blackheath and Bishop’s Stortford quashing the momentum that season.

Five years on the two sides are nestled near the top of the table and Seb expects a battle royale against a team who have scored four tries in 23 minutes in their past two game with Rams, the DoR commenting: “They’re a powerful side who have been playing some good rugby to start the season. We know we’re in for a real test.

“If you drop your standards at this level teams will score, and the past two games against us they did start fast, and it’s something we must address.

“In the first game we were able to claw it back, but last time we gave them too much of a head-start and weren’t.

“There is a different context now – it’s quite odd when you play someone first game and don’t see them to the last, almost like wish them well for the season and see them at the end – whereas now both teams are into it.

“They’re going strong and have put some good performances in, so we need to be up for the challenge.”

Five changes to last week’s starting line-up see Paddy Harris and Ryan Lomas back into the front row, Nile Dacres slotting back into the engine room and Harlequins loanee Jake Murray coming in at scrum-half.

Drew Humberstone – collecting his 124th Rams cap upon his return at inside centre is a longer serving member of the squad – but Seb is excited what Murray can bring.

He explained: “Jake’s a fantastic young player – he’s what we’re looking for in the position and it’s great to give him the opportunity this week.

“We know him from his days at Exeter Uni, we’ve seen a couple of his games in the National Leagues and he’s a mature young player whose also been going well at Harlequins, so it’s nice to welcome him into the squad.

Referencing Nile he added: “It’s nice to have him back – he’s set a standard with what he brings, his attitude is great, and he’s got top energy and enthusiasm around the squad. He puts smiles on faces and has been superb so far.”

A further bedut is in line from the bench as Andrew Lamb gets set for a first outing since his summer signing, and Seb admitted: “He’s had to be patient.

“He joined midway through pre-season, had a couple of little niggles but he was fantastic against Cambridge University on Wednesday night – as were the whole squad in a top game to watch – and it’s nice for someone from that game to get an opportunity. It’s good for the while squad.”

With Moseley one of the best-supported teams in the league another cracking atmosphere is on the cards, and Seb ended: “You can’t wish for anything more. Travelling support helps bring an extra buzz, and if both teams are well cheered on, it should make for a great game.”

Tomorrow’s game is likely to be another busy one, so please book tickets and parking here