Lapses in concentration in the first 20 minutes enabled the Leicester side to stroll into a 17-point lead until strong running from wing Harrison and good support from Armstrong resulted in Matthews going over under the posts to get the Oaks off the mark.

However, inexperience showed as the home side lacked urgency and weren't street wise in a game dominated by the cohesive Belgrave forwards.

A further lead was pegged back by a late well worked try, which clearly demonstrated what the Oaks' backline are capable of.

Oakham need to play with their heads up going forward this season, a little more abrasiveness in the pack, in tandem with greater speed of thought will turn their season around.

Oakham face second-placed Boston this weekend followed by, on paper, easier fixtures with teams lower down in the league.

This is a promising young side, but the results will only come through hard work and perseverence.

n Saturday's other results – Amber Valley 7 Market Rasen & Louth 26; Barton & District 13 Boston 26; Mellish 40 Kesteven 6; Southwell 15 Nottingham Casuals 29.