SPIRES SIGN COOK

OXFORD have moved to bring Craig Cook back into the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership as they bid to turn their fortunes after a tough start to the season.

Cook, who had a short-term spell with the Spires in 2024, is set to come in at reserve starting on Bank Holiday Monday when they face Birmingham home and away.

Making way is Latvian youngster Francis Gusts, although the club say they do hope to work with him again in future.

Manager Peter Schroeck said: “When the top five in the team are firing, you are able to carry the reserves until they get into their stride; however, when they struggle you need to have reserves that can score.

“It is not Francis’ fault, he is seeing these tracks for the first time and needs more experience which we cannot give him at the moment.

“Craig did a great job for us covering for injury last year and was keen to return to the club. He has proven point scoring ability at this level and will form a strong partnership with Luke (Killeen) in Heat 2.”