OAKMEADIANS head coach James Croker was this evening in remarkably good spirits - despite recovering from a heart attack suffered 20 minutes after the end of their match against Buckingham on Saturday.

The flamboyant 31-year-old had just seen his side lose for the first time this season – 19-18 in South West One East – when he suffered the attack in Oaks’ changing room at Meyrick Park.

Croker, speaking to the Echo from his bed in Bournemouth General Hospital, said: “It’s a hereditary thing. It is nothing to do with the rugby!

“It was just an unexpected heart attack which happened when I was in the changing room with the players after the game.

“I’ve had an operation and I’ve been told I have to take it easy for six weeks.

“I’m in hospital until tomorrow when they’ve said they are going to discharge me.”

Croker, being comforted at his bedside by his fiancée Emma Leyland, added: “Of course it’s been a great shock to me, and I won’t be able to have anything to do with rugby for a while.

“But I’m leaving the forwards in the capable hands of Will Croker, Mike Richards and Hayden Hokianga while I’m away, and Brendon Daniel will be the fourth member of the management team taking charge.

“I just have to concentrate on making sure I regain my full health and I just wanted everyone to know I’m on the road to recovery.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO