AFTER a fascinating start to the season, the majority of our local clubs have a week to recharge the batteries, and it' might be a chance for players to earn some brownie points by helping the wife/girlfriend/partner out with some early Christmas shopping or household chores.

The one team in action are London Irish, who will be hoping to bounce back after losing their unbeaten Greene King IPA Championship record to a last-gasp Jersey try on Saturday, Exiles coming away with a 17-14 defeat.

They are still four points clear at the top of the table, but it's a warning they can't take anything for granted as they seek an immediate return to the Gallagher Premiership.

Declan Kidney's men now switch their attention to the newly-formed Championship Cup, with a trip to Gloucestershire to face Hartpury College this Saturday. Bedford Blues and Cornish Pirates are the other teams in Irish's pool, and it will be interesting to see what kind of team they put out.

Things keep going perfectly for Rams, however, who are now seven points clear at the top of National Two South following their 33-15 win at home to Dings Crusaders.

It was their ninth win in 10 games, although they face a big test when they return to action at title rivals Taunton Titans after a week to rest their aching bodies.

As for my boys Reading, we put in a great display but sadly went down 24-17 at Aylesbury, the home side using their rolling maul to excellent effect in Southern Counties North.

We were unfortunate in losing scrum-half Andy Galacher with a dislocated hip. I wish him a speedy recovery.

There was also a defeat for Reading Abbey, who went down 17-5 to second-placed Wallingford in what I've heard was a fairly dull encounter.

Berkshire Shire Hall enjoyed a good weekend, hammering Farnham Royal 58-5 in the BB&O Championship – well done to them.

Lastly, the Autumn internationals continue as England host New Zealand in a mouth-watering clash.

They edged out South Africa by a single point last week – but might have dodged a bullet with Owen Farrell's late tackle not conceding a penalty.

It was certainly a cliffhanger to end the match.