A BRACE of tries by impressive full-back Jeremy Cook helped Oakmeadians to a comfortable 31-0 victory over Beaconsfield at Meyrick Park in the first round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.

Oaks made light of driving rain and a strong wind to take a 17-0 half-time lead with Cook opening the scoring on 20 minutes.

Good line-out work from Will Croker saw the ball moved swiftly to Cook who joined the line to get the touch down which he duly converted himself.

Oaks kept up the pressure and good ruck ball was shifted along the line to Al Blewett who timed his pass to Aaron Saunders to perfection, allowing him to go through a gap to score a fine unconverted try.

In injury time, Cook, whose handling was sound throughout in difficult conditions, kicked over the defence before controlling the ball with his feet to go over the line as Oaks assumed total control.

The visitors fought hard to get back into the match in the first 15 minutes of the second half but, despite conceding several turnovers and territory, the Oaks defence once again held out.

Oaks reasserted their authority after a scrappy and indecisive period of play with Ramsey causing the visitors problems with his speed from the lineout.

In the 19th minute the pressure told and it was Ramsey who took a quick penalty to dive over for a slick solo try converted by Cook to take Oaks into a 24-0 lead.

With five minutes to go, Oaks scored a well-worked try with a miss-move allowing Van Schwalwyk to score at pace under the posts which Cook converted to make the final score 31-0.

Oakmeadians: J Cook (N Roddis), J Payne, A Saunders, S Harman, F Van. Schwalkwyk, C Walton, J Reed (P Brady), R Bongard, J Tabaule, M Riley, W Croker, S Ramsey, A Blewett, T Flower (S Botha), H Hokianga.

Other results: Dorchester 2nds v Oakmeadians 2nds postponed, Verwood 2nds 19 Oakmeadians 3rds 31, Oakmeadians Colts 5 Wimborne Colts 17.

Oakmeadians Colts' first ever game was closer than the score suggests, losing 17-5 against Wimborne.

The teams were locked at 5-5 at the interval, Oaks centre Chris Harris scoring their try. The young side had chances but inexperience proved the difference. Hooker Luke Burridge wasman of the match.

Oaks are keen to welcome back former players from the club's early playing days in the sixties and make them vice-presidents. It already boasts more than 50 VPs who enjoy the social side and the success the club are enjoying, regularly meeting at the pre-match luncheons at The Pavilion in Meyrick Park. Contact Paul Skevington on 0771 4245000) or Don Gerrard on 01202 420647 for more details.

East Dorset produced a heroic display before going down to a 25-10 defeat at Romsey in the Powergen Junior Vase.

The Iford Lane-based outfit faced opposition three leagues above them and only had 16 players at their disposal, including a 46-year-old veteran.

But the Dorset pack tore into their more illustrious hosts while full-back Karl Williams overcame early jitters to counter the home side's tactic of kicking high balls behind their opponents.

And Romsey were relieved to lead 13-0 at the break through two penalties and a controversial converted try.

It would have been easy for East Dorset to throw in the towel but their efforts were rewarded when a series of thrusts took them deep into the home 22 and the ball was spun out to James Dean who raced over for a converted try.

At 13-7 a major giant-killing was a possibility but Romsey sealed their victory with a try against the run of play.

The Romsey players and supporters were full of praise for the visitors' plucky display.

East Dorset lost their 100 per cent record but can be proud of their efforts.

Verwood produced a valiant display before losing 39-0 at Trojans in the Junior Vase.

It was always going to be an uphill task for Verwood against Hampshire Division One opposition. Despite the daunting odds, the Verwood players put their bodies on the line.

Facing driving wind and rain, the visitors did well to limit Trojans to 17-0 at the interval - holding out until the 30th minute before conceding the first try.

In the second half, it was still all to play for with the advantage of the elements in Verwood's favour. As luck would have it, the wind and rain eased off. Verwood competed well all afternoon matching Trojans in the line-out and loose.

Turnovers were on an equal footing but it was pressure in the scrum that took its toll.

Verwood can take heart from their show ahead of their first league game on Saturday at home to Kingsclere.