Perfect eight for Oakham

Wheeler, who obviously has the game in his blood, possesses a great rugbybrain, great skills and competitiveness and could be mistaken for Neil Backat the breakdown. He and powerful outside centre Tom Gregory have been inthe first team since they were fifth formers and played for England 16Group last season. Gregory is versatile too having been fly half forOakham last season and capped on the wing by England. Welch also has highhopes for the skipper, No 8 Cullen Gray, whose form should put him in thereckoning at England 18 Group level. If he was to play for his country,Cullen would emulate his sister, Crista, also at Oakham and who has playedhockey for England.

Gregory put the first points on the board at Loughborough where Oakhamtamed a strong wind in the first half. His penalty was cancelled out byLoughborough but blindside George Firmin restored the lead with the firsttry of the game. Gregory converted, kicked another penalty and Wheeler'stry before half time put Oakham well in command. Turning around with theelements in their favour, Oakham scored four more tries through MatthewCornwell, Alex Hanna, Robert Cook and Thomas Harris with Gregory kickinga couple of conversions.

After two away victories, Oakham have taken control of their section of thedraw and will be at home to Prince William's, Oundle or Wisbech in the nextround. If they come through that there is a quarter-final place up forgrabs and that could be against the form horse in the West Midlands, King'sWorcester.