We met them for the first time last year and enjoyed our trip up there – while we won both times, they were two good games and were certainly not one-sided. I’m sure today will be no different.

Our guys have done superbly in the first block because to do eight straight games is a large ask, especially because they all have jobs to go to on a Monday morning.

The commitment, fitness and dedication are great, but it has also showed you need a big squad.

On that note, the Wednesday night Development XV games have been a huge success, and the performance against the Army Under 23s especially was very good.

In that game all of the try-scorers were from the local area – Joe Pannese is on an internship in Reading – but it shows the club is on the right track by giving young, aspiring players from around here the chance to play at the highest level.

The floodlit games are the way forward, although being able to get enough games is a challenge!

It’s better than being in a league because we can invite people to come and play without there being any issue.

I was delighted to see 11 of our Colts in the Berkshire Under 18s squad on Sunday, and want to give a big shout-out to head coach Dave Cox, who has put together a structure and coaching team who people want to play for.

Dave takes his rugby seriously and the boys are better for it.

Unfortunately, we did suffer some sad news recently with the passing of Trevor Clayton. He was a lovely man who lots and lots of people thought very highly of.

He was a nice guy who was great around the club, he was happy to do anything to help out and it’s a great shame – the last time I saw him he was very poorly, but it was good to see him up here.

Finally, I believe we have a good turn-out for the lunch which is always a good indicator of how big the crowd will be, so fingers crossed for a busy day.

But we really need everyone to get behind the team – the longer this run goes on, the more we need people to get out and support the boys.

As mentioned, they put a lot of commitment in and truly appreciate having a big crowd, so don’t be too polite and think you can’t make lots of noise!

Enjoy the game and come on you Rams.

To book tickets for this afternoon, click here