IT was generally a good week for our local sides as we leave the World Cup behind and head into the winter.

Starting at the top, London Irish had a very good 36-11 win against Leicester, a 22-6 lead at half-time setting them up perfectly.

There were positives across the board with the power of the likes of Ruan Botha and Albert Tuisue standing out in the pack, while in the backs Ben Loader and Waisake Naholo both scored from the wing.

Two of the tries were absolutely top drawer and showed Exiles' willingness to attack – firstly the length-of-the-field score from Botha at the end of the first half, and secondly Naholo's magnificent finish from a Nick Phipps cross-field kick.

The second showed the benefits of Irish's recruitment drive as it showed with a sprinkling of international quality and some cracking young players, they should have enough to stay up.

It's European Challenge Cup action for Declan Kidney's men this Saturday, and they start Pool Two at Scarlets.

Elsewhere, Rams' magnificent start to the National Two campaign continued with a great 28-16 win at Rotherham Titans.

The fourth-placed side will hope to preserve their unbeaten home record against Old Elthamians, who sit two places behind them, on Saturday.

My boys Reading had a tremendous Southern Counties North victory over second-placed Aylesbury.

The conditions were not the greatest with strong winds and plenty of rain, but we put in a terrific performance and the defence was very strong.

The forwards scored a great try touched down by Gavin Egan and we never let Aylesbury get over the line in a 5-3 success.

This keeps our home record at 100 per cent and this week we travel to Bicester where the guys will be looking to get another win.

Reading Abbey went down 40- 3 against table-toppers Witney.

It was not the result they would been looking for and it doesn’t get any easier this week for them as they visit Aylesbury.

Down in Berks & Bucks Two South, Berkshire Shire Hall had a hard-fought 7-7 draw with Rams 4ths to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches.

They also have deservedly been awarded Wadworth Berkshire Team of the Month for October so I'd like to congratulate them.

Enjoy your weekend.