Adrian Siddorn stands down as president of the Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union at the end of the season and he looks sure to receive a great send-off because it's a season that is building up to a grandstand finish.

A quick look at the league tables shows clearly why this county remains the hottest of hotbeds for the great game that is rugby.

Stow-on-the-Wold, Longlevens, Gordon League, Old Patesians and Gloucester Old Boys all have strong title aspirations as their campaigns enter the final few weeks while the likes of Cheltenham, Smiths and Tewkesbury have all been there or thereabouts in Regional 2 Midlands West, Counties 2 Gloucestershire North and Counties 3 Gloucestershire North respectively.

Elsewhere, Matson have more than held their own in Regional 1 South West after winning promotion last season, Old Centralians are in the top three in Regional 2 Severn while Dursley are fifth in Counties 2 Gloucestershire South.

Siddorn, who will be succeeded by his vice-president Emily Ryall, may be retiring but he remains a huge supporter of the sport in this part of the world.

“It’s very exciting, particularly in the north of the county,” he said. “As president I’m totally neutral but it’s great to see so many clubs doing so well.”

Siddorn, a former player and chairman at Bristol club St Mary’s Old Boys, has seen the game develop greatly over the years.

He is also a past chairman of the Gloucestershire RFU and he said: “My heart and soul is in rugby in Gloucestershire.

“Of course there are some difficulties but there are some huge success stories.”

The women’s game and youth rugby continues to grow and grow – as does walking rugby and mixed ability rugby – and Siddorn added: “Rugby is a fabulous game. It sets high standards and provides some fabulous role models, particularly in the female game.”

And Siddorn, who will be 71 in August, will remain involved in the game when he retires as president.

“Yes, I will,” he said. “I don’t know what I’ll do but I love the game.”

Key end-of season games – Regional 2 Midlands West: Silhillians v Stow (23^rd March). Counties 1 Western North: Cinderford 2nds v Longlevens (23^rd March). Counties 2 Gloucestershire North: Old Patesians v Gordon League (6^th April). Counties 3 Gloucestershire North: Bredon Star v Gloucester Old Boys (2^nd March).

The winners of Counties 2 Gloucestershire North will play the winners of Counties 2  Gloucestershire South in an end-of season play-off to determine which club will be promoted. Bream are the current pacesetters in Counties 2 Gloucestershire South having won all 15 of their games so far.