IMPRESSIVE Oakmeadians clawed back a mammoth 20-point deficit to overcome Trowbridge 36-20 at a windy Meyrick Park.

It was a seventh straight Southern Counties South victory for Jack Hennings' side, who are now level on points with Wimborne (third) and North Dorset (fourth), although the Minster outfit have a far superior points difference.

But it was far from easy for Hennings' troops, who found themselves facing a mountain to climb at the break.

Trowbridge took advantage of the wind in a gritty first-half performance against a far-superior Oaks pack - and stormed into a 20-3 lead at the break.

Hayden Hokianga, kicking in the absence of the injured Jerry Cook, slotted over a penalty late on in the opening period, but on the whole Oaks had little to show for their efforts apart from some wind-swept haircuts.

However, it was the gale cutting Meyrick Park in two that got behind Hennings' side after the restart.

With Oaks piling on the pressure through the forwards, Trowbridge were penalised for a deliberate knock-on.

Oaks opted for touch before winning the five-metre line-out and driving towards the Trowbridge line.

Hokianga piled over and converted himself to bring his side right back in it.

With the wind in their faces, the Wiltshire side were struggling to maintain their discipline and after yet another penalty to touch, Steve Harman was next over after the Oaks drive proved too strong again.

Back row Hokianga again added a huge kick, this time from wide left, to leave the packed Meyrick clubhouse spluttering on their St Patrick's Day Guinness.

Andrew Smith then chased down his own speculative kick to tumble over and Oaks found themselves 22-20 up with 20 minutes still to play.

Hennings' charges moved firmly in control five minutes later after Adam Hudson's burst was recycled across the back line to Michael Notobartolo who burst through the heart of the Trowbridge defence to score.

Hokianga added the conversion, before the Oaks forwards forced Jason Ivory over after some fine work in the line-out and the big number eight kicked successfully again.

Although the Wiltshire outfit finished the clash with some pressure borne out of sheer frustration, Ralph Keeble put the game well out of reach with a well-taken try late on.

"The wind played a massive part," admitted captain Hennings. "They weren't very disciplined either in the second half and I think that cost them the game.

"Hayden's kicking was phenomenal. I had no idea he could kick like that, but it certainly spurred us on."

Oaks: Keeble, Wharton, Tidd, Notobartolo, Tait (Osborne), Smith, Harman, Riley, Stephenson, Garrett (Hudson), Hennings, Richards, Ivory, Stradwick, Hokianga.