OAKMEADIANS coach James Croker hailed Ollie Hare and Mike Notobartolo as the “best centres outside of the National League” before telling the flamboyant duo to pitch their next career move at English rugby’s third tier.

Hare and Notobartolo were the linchpins of Oaks’ stunning 82-19 mauling of Tadley at Meyrick Park on Saturday – a result which leaves Croker’s charges within one game of possible promotion to the RFU’s new South West One division next term.

But although Croker claims both men could ply their trades well above Oaks’ Southern Counties South level, he believes their graduation through the club’s youth ranks could see both men remain at Meyrick Park for the immediate future.

Croker, whose side’s total came courtesy of tries from Hare (3), Harvey Bell (2), George Leyland (2), Notobartolo (2), Eroni Ciriki, Tim Flower, Mike Richards, Tom Blackburn and Jamie Tryska (one try, six convs), said: “Ollie doesn’t get the accolades he deserves. He really is a class player and his all-round game is outstanding.

“Mike and Ollie are the best centres outside of the National League for me. They are two 20-year-old 16 or 17-stone centres who have core skills that are up there with anyone.

“I think this year we have even made them a bigger and faster option. If they want to progress they should be looking at next season’s National League One.

“That’s if they do want to progress – if not then they can buy into something that is also moving forwards here. They could be two catalysts for that.

“Mike and Ollie were a centre pairing in the Oaks youth team and Jamie Tryska was playing at fly-half in that set-up.

“So our 10, 12 and 13 have been playing together at this club since they were 11. They have all developed into much better players this year and it’s great to have guys like that coming through.”

If North Dorset beat Frome away this weekend and Oaks overcome Oldfield Old Boys, Croker’s side will be promoted.

Oakmeadians: Bell, Morgan, Hare, Notobartolo, Ciriki, Tryska, Harman, Bongard, R Stephenson, Blackburn, W Croker, Leyland, Richards, Flower, Hokianga. Subs: Atkins, Stradwick, Drummond.