HAYDEN Hokianga has labelled Oakmeadians’ home clash against Walcot tomorrow (3pm) a “must-win game” as they bid to force their way back into a promotion spot.

The third-placed Meyrick Parkers are reeling following reverses against Buckingham and new South West One East leaders Cheltenham.

But they are still only two points adrift of top spot with more than two thirds of the campaign to go.

Hokianga, whose side were elevated after lifting the Southern Counties South title last season, said: “Walcot is a must-win game purely because we need to get back to winning ways.

“It’ll be a benchmark against a side that has just beaten the previous league leaders Marlow 21-5.

“If we want to gain promotion we have to beat teams like Walcot.

“It won’t be easy, though, because they are getting themselves in a good position following a slow start.

“Hopefully, being at home, we can get the result we want and we should do if we stick to the game plan.

“Walcot beating Marlow helped us and there are going to be a few more funny results this season with teams getting stronger as we go along.

“If we can stay six points in front of the chasing pack, at the end of the season we could have a good chance of promotion, either automatically or via the play-off spot.

“The spirit is still high in the team and we’re learning as we are going along in this division.”

Oaks: Smith, Rutter, Henrickson, Richards, W Croker, McMahon, Hokianga, Flower, Bell, Tryska, McTaggart, Notobartolo, Samuels, Hare, Daniel. Subs: Ford, Mitchell, Cook.