A HAPPY New Year to you all and here's hoping for some exciting rugby in the final four months of what is proving to be a gripping season.

We'll start with perhaps the story of the season so far, Rams, who produced a stunning late comeback to win the Battle of the Thames 19-12 at Henley Hawks to move 13 points clear at the top of the National Two South table.

They came under the cosh for much of the game, but two tries in the last five minutes snatched a dramatic win for Seb Reynolds men, making it 13 wins on the spin.

They've now chalked up 609 points while conceding just 245 (an average winning scoreline of 36-15) and it would be a total calamity if they were to miss out on promotion now, so let's hope they can remain focused over what is the toughest part of the season.

This Saturday they host the only side who've beaten them all season, Old Albanians, and a win there would be another tick towards reaching their highest ever level.

As for my boys Reading, we put in a creditable shift in a tough, hard-fought, game at top-of-the-table Windsor before finally going down 29-11.

We trailed 22-3 at the break against a very good team, but showed real grit to ensure we actually won the second half.

We've got a few injuries in the front row, but this Saturday is a huge one as we welcome neighbours Reading Abbey to Holme Park for what should be a cracker.

Back in September we suffered late heartbreak as they ran out 23-22 winners at the death, and I'm sure Ben Wills and the boys will be looking to gain revenge and banish any relegation fears which might start creeping in.

As for Abbey, they come into the game on the back of a 34-24 reverse at home to Marlow, but despite this, they looked strong for large parts of the game, once again showing their ability to come from behind and which, potentially, sets up a great derby on Saturday.

Berkshire Shire Hall – fourth in the BB&O Championship – went down 48-12 to unbeaten leaders Chipping Norton, and it doesn't get much easier this weekend when they travel to third-placed Faringdon.

Lastly, after a week off, Greene King IPA Championship leaders play their first game of the year at Madejski Stadium, with Richmond the visitors.

Best of luck to Declan Kidney's side as they try and preserve or extend their five point lead at the top on Sunday.