Oakham RFC’s 1st XV got their league campaign off to a winning start on Saturday, securing a 22–12 away victory over South Leicester in their opening competitive fixture of the season.

After a long build-up to the new campaign, the Oaks produced an encouraging performance which combined some excellent attacking rugby with the physicality the squad has been working hard on during pre-season.

Oakham made the stronger start and took good control of the contest during the opening 40 minutes. Some well-constructed passages of play resulted in tries for Tom Easson, Luke Wilkinson and Angus Boyle, with captain Lewis Crellin adding two conversions.

That gave Oakham a 19–7 advantage at half-time and put them firmly in control of the game.
The second half proved a different challenge. The game became less structured and South Leicester worked their way back into the contest, but Oakham showed plenty of resilience to protect their advantage.

A further penalty from Crellin added three more points, and the Oaks saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 22–12 victory and a winning start to the season.

Head Coach Jamie Ray was pleased with what he saw from his side, particularly after the work put in during recent weeks.
“Superb win on the opening weekend of the league. The team showed some huge positives across the park, scoring some really well-worked tries.
“In the first half we had good control of the game and put some really nice play together, but lost it to a bit of chaos in the second half.
“Hugely proud of the physicality the lads brought as we’ve been working on that in recent weeks, so it was good to see it show on the pitch.
“One or two things to tidy up in preparation for the game against Stamford College Old Boys, but we’re ready to give the Showground a great opening home game next weekend!”

Saturday 3rd October, when the 1st XV finally return to the Showground for their first home fixture of the season against Stamford College Old Boys.
It promises to be a very special afternoon at the club as the fixture forms part of our Fiji Day in memory of Savenaca ‘Tu’ Koroibulileka, with a sold out pre match lunch and big Oakham crowd expected.
After starting the season with a win on the road, the Oaks will be looking forward to running out in front of their home support for the first time.
Up the Oaks!