Stamford Rugby Club beat Oakham Rugby Club in derby duel

Stamford completed a derby double over Oakham after victory in one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the season on Saturday.

The purple, black and whites secured a 19-10 victory in the Counties 1 Midlands East (South) clash to follow up their 15-24 success at the Rutland Showground in the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

Stamford went into the game following a run of good results and the early exchanges showed both sides giving full effort in both attack and defence.

Stamford were putting their game plan into practice when Ed Cox broke clear but, after he was stopped, Oaks gave away a penalty which the referee moved 10 yards on for some back chat.

The home side kicked to the corner and, from the resulting line out, Ben Chisholm was driven over for a try which Bentley converted.

The visitors were applying their own game plan and were awarded a penalty which they kicked to make the score 7-3 after 15 minutes.

As the game progressed, Stamford were building their attack and they kicked the ball deep and followed up to drive Cox over for their second try to make it 12-3.

Town were now getting a good drive going in the scrum and were awarded another penalty.

They kicked to the corner and this time it was Gaz Ramsden who was driven on but the ball was held up over the line.

Town then had to make two replacements when Tris Small and Frazer Hutton were injured.

The Oaks put together a good attack but, when it broke down, Stamford countered and Charlie Penrose-Toms had a sprint down the wing and Oakham conceded a penalty at the breakdown.

Stamford again used their line out to take the ball on and Harley Riches was stopped just short leaving the score at half-time 12-3.

The second half saw Town using their midfield runners to good effect, Dan Heard went on some strong attacking runs to release Penrose-Toms who was tackled into touch.

Prop Mike Harris then decided he would carry the ball on a mazy run and, from the resulting ruck, the returning Hutton saw a gap open in front of him and he darted through for a try which Bentley again converted to take the score to 19-3.

Oakham put together some good attacking moves which the home defence took care of.

However, Oaks' persistence paid off when they forced their way over the line for a try which they converted with the last kick of the match to give a closing score of 19-10.

This win plus results elsewhere cemented Stamford's position of third in the league.

There is no match scheduled for this weekend so the next game is at home to Spalding on January 27.