It was an experienced Rosslyn Park, ll however, who made the better start, throwing everything at Oakham in the first ten minutes. Only superb tackling, especially from flanker Wendy Walker, kept the well-drilled London side from crossing the line: however, the first of too many Oaks penalties did mean they went 3 – 0 down to a well-taken penalty kick.

Rosslyn Park ll continued to pile on the pressure and Oakham’s relative inexperience began to take its toll, with persistent offside infringements by the whole team eventually landing prop Sam Stevens in the bin for ten minutes.

Oakham rallied well, blindside flanker Caroline Chipper in particular winning several turnovers in the loose. It was in the scrum and lineout, however, where Oakham truly threw down the gauntlet. A magnificent forwards effort eventually led to a try in the corner for Number Eight Kate Metcalfe, taking the Oaks into a 5 – 3 lead at half time.

The Rutland side came out much more strongly after a well needed break, maintaining far better discipline and starting to string together their first real phases of play. Winger Stephanie Foode made some punishing runs into opposition territory, well supported by the back row. Rosslyn Park’s ll backs once again turned on the pressure, crossing for a try through some tired Oakham tackling.

As soon as the play moved to the other end of the pitch, it became Oakham’s turn to pile on the pressure, this time through the forwards. An amazing 32 minutes of the second half was spent battling in Rosslyn Park’s ll 22, Oakham’s powerful scrum and lineout being thwarted time and time again, both by excellent defensive work and illegal disruption, which saw two Park players sin binned. With only a minute on the clock, in one final throw of the dice, captain Katy Becker once again kicked for the corner. A great take from second row Taryn Ward was driven inexorably forward by the exhausted Oakham pack. Several of the backs added their strength to the drive, Becker finally grounding the ball for the winning try.

Becker said, “I’ve never played in such a mentally and physically exhausting game. Our pack gave it absolutely everything they had – I’m so proud of all the girls and what we’ve achieved this year.”

Oakham’s coach, Ian Craddock, said “ The girls showed great patience, resilience and teamwork against a high quality side. I am very proud of them all.”

A collective player of the match award went to the front row.

It was an incredibly satisfying and richly deserved victory, completing Oakham’s league and cup double. Next year they compete in Midlands Division One and are looking forward to the challenge.

Facts for the season:

League games played: 14. Won: 13. Lost:1.

Points for 302. Points against: 20.

Midlands Division 2 champions.

National Challenge Cup champions.