Berks and Bucks go head-to-head in County Championship

Buckinghamshire RFU head into Saturday’s final County Championship Plate pool 2 match hoping to record their best ever tournament result, and in doing so keep alive their dreams of reaching the semi-finals.

Never before has the county won two games in the competition, but after a morale boosting 30-23 away win against Sussex on Saturday, head coach Jon Taylor is feeling confident Bucks can overcome local rivals Berkshire this weekend.

Bucks need a cricket score victory over Berks to secure an automatic semi-final spot. However, they could also qualify as best runner-up if they can grind out a win and hope other results go their way.

Meanwhile, Berks suffered a heavy 61-22 defeat to Kent at home on Saturday.

“This is a big weekend for us,” said Taylor. “Last weekend’s victory was a good result and we are feeling confident.

“We know now that we are in touching distance of recording our best result as a county. Never before have we won two games in this tournament. And if we did that we could still make the semi-finals.

“Hopefully that will dispel the myth that we are the minnows of this group, but a side that can compete at the top of the table.

“Berkshire are a good side so we know we have got to put on another good performance. We know we have the ability to achieve our aim so now it’s all up to us to make it happen.”

The game is at Buckingham RFC at 3pm.