Possible Clues:

• Absentee (from school?)
• By the sound of it, it's true, the insect is not in form
• Skipping class
• Schoolboy playing hookey from school
• Sounds as if a real insect has run away
• This is played away from school
• Finishes off honest opponent not learning lesson
• One who's out of form while training?
• Absentee of sorts
• Schoolboy dodging school