Oakham RFC's 1st XV continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 season on Saturday 10th October, battling back from a half-time deficit to secure a 17–7 victory away at Loughborough RFC IIs.

It was a performance built on resilience, determination and teamwork, as the Oaks overcame early injuries, physical opposition and a narrow half-time deficit to make it three wins from their opening three league fixtures.

A tough first half

Oakham knew they would face a stern test at Loughborough, and the home side certainly delivered one.

Loughborough brought plenty of physicality to the contest, putting the Oaks under pressure throughout a fiercely competitive opening 40 minutes.

Despite crossing the line for a first-half try, Oakham found themselves trailing 7–5 at the interval, with the hosts holding a slender advantage.

To make matters more challenging, early injuries forced Oakham to make adjustments, testing both the squad's depth and their ability to adapt under pressure.

Second-half fightback secures the points

With plenty of work to do after the break, Oakham responded in exactly the manner their coaches would have hoped.

The visitors showed tremendous character, digging deep defensively and refusing to allow Loughborough's physical approach to disrupt their determination to turn the match around.

Some outstanding defensive work kept the hosts from adding to their first-half tally, while Oakham gradually found opportunities to take control of the scoreboard.

Two well-executed second-half tries proved decisive, as the Oaks turned a two-point deficit into a ten-point victory.

Across the afternoon, James Easson, Henry Bird and Tom Easson all crossed the line for Oakham, with Lewis Crellin adding one conversion to complete the scoring.

The final whistle confirmed a 17–7 victory and another valuable away win for the black and amber.

Jamie Ray: "A testament to their character"

Reflecting on the performance, Oakham RFC 1st XV coach Jamie Ray praised the squad's resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

"Saturday was a proper test for us. Going into half time 7-5 down meant we had a big job on our hands to change the score line. Credit to Loughborough for bringing lots of physicality and pushing us the whole way.

"Losing a couple of lads to early injuries forced us to adapt but the way the group rallied and pulled together is a testament to their character.

"Last season, we probably lose a tight game like this, however on Saturday we dug in, the lads put their bodies on the line with some dogged defending and executed two great second half tries when it mattered the most.

"It's been a great start to the season and we look forward to going away again next week to Aylestone Athletic to keep building this momentum!"

Three played. Three won.

Three matches into the new campaign, Oakham have every reason to be encouraged.

While the opening victories have provided plenty of positives, Saturday's performance demonstrated something equally important: the ability to win when things aren't going entirely to plan.

Coming from behind away from home, adapting to injuries and keeping the opposition scoreless throughout the second half are all encouraging signs of a squad growing in confidence and belief.

With three consecutive wins now secured, the challenge is to maintain that momentum as the season progresses.

Next up: Aylestone Athletic away

The Oaks return to the road on Saturday 17th October, travelling to face Aylestone Athletic RFC as they look to extend their unbeaten run.

Another important test awaits, but Oakham will head into the fixture full of confidence following their excellent start to the season.

Match summary

Half-time: Loughborough RFC II 7–5 Oakham RFC
Full-time: Loughborough RFC II 7–17 Oakham RFC

Oakham try scorers: James Easson, Henry Bird, Tom Easson
Conversion: Lewis Crellin (1)

Three played. Three won. Up the Oaks!