71. Bracknell require a leader of the pack

Bracknell were given a lesson in ‘ugly’ rugby when they travelled to London Division 1 rivals Barnes on Saturday for a pre-season friendly.

72. Aussie Hewat stings Champs

London Irish 26 London Wasps 14

Aussie Peter Hewat scored 16 points as London Irish made an impressive start to their Guinness Premiership campaign in the season’s curtain-raiser at Twickenham.

73. Nutt back to boost Blues

Newbury can get their National League 1 season up and running with the visit of Moseley to Monks Lane tomorrow (3pm).

74. Unlucky Casey ruled out of Irish opener

London Irish captain Bob Casey has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Guinness Premiership opener against London Wasps at Twickenham (2.30pm) having fractured his wrist in last Friday’s friendly at Heineken Cup holders Munster.

75. ‘We Havant hit top form,’ says Sheasby

Bracknell started their preparation for the fast-approaching new campaign with a comprehensive friendly victory against National Division 3 South side Havant.

76. Nowak: Promotion is our aim

Bracknell Rugby Club captain Ben Nowak believes the club are well prepared for another promotion push from South West Division 1 this season.

77. McHarg sparks revival in Reading’s fortunes

As soon as you drive into Holme Park, Reading Rugby Club’s home for the past six decades, the transformation smacks you straight in the face.

78. England pair boost Irish

England pair Shane Geraghty and Peter Richards are in the 25-strong London Irish squad to face Heineken Cup winners Munster in Cork, tonight (7.30pm).

79. Abrahams jets in for Gensians

Redingensians, warming up for their second season of South West 1 rugby, make a late choice on their 20-man squad to travel to London 1 side Portsmouth in a friendly tomorrow (3pm).

80. A kick in the Co-Hoines

New boy Peter Freeth was among the try scorers as Redingensians crashed 31-19 away to National Division 3 South side Ealing in a pre-season friendly.