Oakham RFC suffered a second consecutive defeat on Saturday 31st October, going down 43–33 away to Birstall RFC in an entertaining, high-scoring encounter.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening half, establishing a 29–12 advantage by the interval and leaving Oakham with plenty of work to do after the break.

However, the Oaks responded strongly in the second half, adding 21 points to their tally as they battled to get themselves back into contention.

Oakham crossed the try line five times during the afternoon, with Oliver Crellin, Benji Wright, Angus Boyle, David Styles and Rhys Grieve all getting on the scoresheet.

Lewis Crellin added four successful conversions as Oakham continued to put pressure on their hosts.

Despite the improved second-half showing and an impressive 33-point haul away from home, Birstall had done enough to secure the victory, running out 43–33 winners.

While the result was disappointing, Oakham can take encouragement from their attacking performance and the determination shown to fight back after a difficult first half.

The Oaks will now look to regroup and return to winning ways when they welcome Vipers II to the Rutland Showground on Saturday 14th November.

Half-time: Birstall RFC 29–12 Oakham RFC
Full-time: Birstall RFC 43–33 Oakham RFC

Oakham try scorers: Oliver Crellin, Benji Wright, Angus Boyle, David Styles, Rhys Grieve.

Conversions: Lewis Crellin (4).