They are an excellent club, and we’re always very well hosted by Alistair.
When we were there earlier in the season it was the Remembrance Day fixture, and it was fantastically run.
So I’m looking forward to having them here because they’re always a very good bunch – and are bringing 10 to lunch.
‘We will only get better’
For me, this has been a different yet equally enjoyable campaign to some of the past few.
But considering this is the first for many of the players, where we are is an honest reflection.
I believe it’s been an excellent effort from the boys, bearing in mind how young they are, and in many cases stepping up to National One.
The off-loading game they’ve produced has been thrilling to watch, and there are plenty of positives.
To be top-half with a brand new team is an achievement, and we will only get better as the guys play together more.
I’m very excited to see how they push on.
Indeed, as an age profile they could be the Development XV, and they have also been a big success – up until the past few results!
But when I’ve watched them and the Under 23s – especially in their game at Richmond last month – there are some truly exciting prospects coming through.
One is Theo Pett-Ridge, who I watched playing for the Centaurs (3rd XV) as an 18-year-old, and I hope he can go on and reach the first team.
It would be a great story as he started here as a Mini.
Kites and Under 20s made for a Super Sunday
I have been out and about a lot recently and last Sunday I watched Reading Kites beat Chinnor before the second half of the Berkshire Under 20s.
It’s been great to have the ladies up using the gym and training at Old Bath Road, and I’m pleased they have a table for lunch.
It’s a sign our Regional Rugby Partnership is working, along with a few of last year’s Colts playing for Reading 1st XV.
Berkshire, meanwhile, was a thrilling game and well played to our guys for fighting back to get the win. There were some fantastic performances.
Also, among the youth, I was delighted to see both Under 14 sides won their respective County Cups.
Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a superb effort.
Sponsors make all the difference
It is also a pleasure to have long-term backers Macbeth Insurance Brokers as our match sponsor, and Crowe doing the ball.
The club cannot exist without support and volunteers, so many thanks to both.
Elsewhere, tickets for Nigel Owens are selling fast and I cannot wait for March 28.
I’m on a table with quite a few of the guys who are here today – Colin, Innsy, Phil Rushton and others – and it will be a memorable night.
So, if you’ve not booked yet, don’t miss out!
Support is second to none – thank you!
Finally, as I never normally write these notes, I want to especially thank the Ramily for their support.
While the last home game numbers were down a bit due to half-term, Valentine’s Day and Six Nations, we still got more than 600 people, which was amazing.
And moreover, it felt like a lot bigger number with the noise created in the final quarter – it was outstanding.
It’s also brilliant to hear feedback like I got after the game.
I often wear my Rams stash around Woodley and one chap came up to me after being here for the first time.
He said he’d had a wonderful time, and it was really warming.
We’ve only got three more home games – including the last two, which must be a first in many year – and it would be wonderful to have OBR completely packed out.
Hopefully we can have a massive finish to the season.
