Oakham Rugby Football Club (ORFC)'s first team faced Syston in their first friendly game of the season last night, Thursday 24 August.

Last night, ORFC opened its doors to players and public ahead of the new season for the first friendly of 2023/24.

Starting was:

Forwards

1 - Pete Rawlinson

2 - Lewis Crellin

3 - Reuben Styles

4 - Will Bell

5 - Sam Weatherall

6 - Matthew Lammin

7 - Josh Tooley

8 - Connor Stewart

Backs

9 - Nathan Gardener

10 - Nobby Styles

11 - Connor Reid

12 - Johno Milnes

13 - Will Andrews

14 - Luke Wilkinson

15 - Ollie Lamb

Oakham RFC will be back with the first game of the season tonight. Image credit: ORFC.

Some first team, second team and upcoming young players supported the team on the bench, and all got time on the field.

All of the players enjoyed a chance to show what they were made of, and it bodes well for Oakham ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The first to score was Sam Weatherall, who was wearing number 5, in a run that covered over half of the field.

This run was followed by another from John Milnes, who burst through Syston's defence to score another try.

Lewis went on to score, as did Will, George and Herbie. Will Andrews covered four of the tries.

Oakham scored six tries and majority conversions. Image credit: @andybalmford Instagram.

Syston pushed back with enthusiasm 20 minutes into the first half, and at the beginning of the second half, but Oakham's rigorous fitness training from the off-season showed, and they could not be stopped.

Oakham scored try after try, which was received well by the club's supporters, who endured some stressful games last season.

The final score was Oakham 40 - 12 Syston.

The lads enjoyed a celebratory pep talk after the game. Image credit: Nub News.

After a tough season last year, are the Oakham first team getting back into their stride?

We shall see!

Find out more about joining the club here.

Find the club at:

ORFC

Rutland Showground

Showground Way

Oakham

Rutland