JAMES Croker was keen to play down Oakmeadians’ early-season promotion potential, but did admit the lure of National League rugby was a target for the Meyrick Park club.

Croker’s charges have made a stunning start to life in South West One East, notching four wins from four this term alongside leaders Cheltenham and third-placed Marlow.

But despite their healthy league position, Croker believes his side will have more idea of their title credentials following tomorrow’s clash against Wootton Bassett at Meyrick Park (3pm).

The Oaks coach said: “We’re getting there, but we are a performance-based team. Brendon Daniel (player-coach) and I are of the view that if you get one right, the other will follow and the lads are responding well.

“We always said the league would settle down five games in and we could get a good idea of where teams are at. This is our fifth game and I will be meeting with the club’s new president after the game to make sure the result is right and that Oakmeadians as a club is ready for National League rugby.

“We don’t want to leave it until April and then be playing catch-up.

“We would need more investment. We’re trying to be a community club with a community support base, but you need business backing as well. We’re trying to reach out and get the community to jump on board, but you have to look after the players as well once you move up a league.

“I need a big squad and retention is important too.”

Croker is still suffering from a shortage of front-row forwards ahead of tomorrow’s contest, with Pete Rogers, Marcus Atkins and Dale Smith all unavailable, while Ryan Stephenson (thumb), Rob Bongard (hand) and Matt Riley (illness) are longer-term absentees.

Oaks: Daniel, Magnus, Samuels, Korabai, Notobartolo, Tryska, Bell, Dimmer, Flower, Henrickson, Croker, Hudson, Davies, Coughlan, Richards. Subs: Rutter, Hymers, Cook.

Swanage and Wareham travel to Salisbury in South West One East following last weekend’s last-gasp 18-17 win against Bletchley, while Wimborne travel to Corsham and North Dorset visit Minety in Southern Counties South.