REDINGENSIANS Rams face a big test when they take on Broadstreet at the Old Bath Road ground on Saturday (3pm) in their final warm-up match.

The Coventry-based side finished seventh last season in National 2 North -– the same level at which promoted Rams make their debut against visitors Redruth on September 5.

However coach Mike Tewkesbury was quick to point out the importance of tonight’s home clash with Reading (Thursday, 7.45pm) in which several players could bid for a place in Saturday’s squad.

He stressed: “Performances against Reading could influence selection for the weekend match. Aspects of our play in the pre-season friendlies have been impressive. Our level of fitness is good and we have moved on with each match.

“But it is necessary to have strength in depth. We need cover for what will be a demanding season and the players are gaining valuable game time.”

Rams, fielding several promising newcomers, have impressed against lower level opposition Bracknell, Llanishen and Rhiwbina, clocking up 170 points.

But they took time to get into their stride before winning 42-7 against Llanishen in the first match of their mini-tour in South Wales.

Craig Nightingale looked sharp at open side flanker and was among the try scorers along with Wilkinson, Will Hopkins, Ollie Poole, Sean McDermottroe and a penalty try. Guy Swadling kicked all six conversions.

Rams swept aside another Welsh Division One side Rhiwbina 48-21 as their superior fitness and sharp back play led to eight tries. Centre Dan Barnes was man-of-the-match while fly-half Luke Flower was also in good form.

It was Flower’s 75-yard interception try plus further touchdowns from Ollie Foxley and the lively Steve Bryant put Rams 15-7 up at the break.

Gritty Rhiwbina narrowed it to 15-14 before scores came at regular intervals from Bryant, a penalty try, Foxley, new boy George Drury and Roy Wilkinson.

Flower was on target with four conversions.