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Sunday 4th May
Olney Select XV lose to Lizzards
Olney 29 - 37 Lizzards
A hot, sunny afternoon made for an enjoyable afternoon of rugby between these two sides, resurrecting an old fixture.
Oli Caplin, captaining the Lizards side brought with him a strong side, happy to keep the ball in hand and play running rugby.
Olney took a similar approach, opting to play an open game that got the quick legs of the backs into space.
After early exchanges, Lizards were first to score. Over-commitment at the breakdown allowed Lizards to find space out wide, with their winger crossing the line.
The following kick-off saw Paddy Leahy collect the ball and make good yards, and following a good few phases, Olney forced Lizards to touch the ball down over their own line to get the scrum 5 metres out.
A solid scrum saw Olney easily shove the opposing pack out of the way – Gareth Cahill at 8 taking the try. Ross Keenan duly scored the conversion.
That scrum seemed to set the standard for the game, and the front row of George, Bezza and Trout worked over their lighter opponents at every set scrum.
Olney, lacking a recognised scrum half and number 10, were served well by Keenan and Chris Parnham at 9 and 10 respectively.
As Paddy and Cahill forced several turnovers in the loose, the ball was put wide for Will Edwards to show his gas, often stepping the Lizards defence. Doug Dell at inside centre had a solid game, using his strength to smash holes.
Tries were exchanged, and Lizards kept the ball moving wide when they could. Again, the Olney forwards committed too many numbers to lost ruck ball, which left the backs with work to do in defence. Lizards’ game plan of getting the ball wide was obvious, but often well read by Olney’s back line, and several ferocious hit were put in by Graham Dell and Edwards.
As the afternoon continued to heat up, and the rolling subs were used to full effect, Lizards found themselves a try ahead at the half way mark.
Big Thierry came on to bolster the Olney pack, making several big runs, and sucking in the Lizards defence. Paddy (the other one) and Randall both caused problems with darting runs, and Si Christian, Charlie Tomkins and George Stanton all continued to work hard up front, taking the ball on around the fringes.
Steve Harrison managed to make a good break after an outrageous show-and-go, unluckily getting knocked into touch just before the off-load went to hand.
As Olney chased the score which would bring them level, a freak moment occurred, as Craig ‘Bones’ Smith, who has obviously been watching Rhys Peakman closely, made a break and chipped the ball ahead into the opponents 22. As the full back came to collect the ball, a wicked bounce from the hard ground saw the ball pop up into the hands of Bones, who went behind the posts to score.
Lizards hit back with two tries in quick succession as the home side tired. As Olney once again chased a levelling score in the dying minutes, Matt the Hat made a few superb runs, on one occasion breaking three tackles, staying on his feet well.
Another run saw Scott Filler in support, and as The Hat drew the full back and passed inside to Filler for the score, the whistle went – the pass adjudged to have gone forward.
Another push-over try from the Olney pack before the final whistle was well deserved, but Lizards finished the game 2 tries to the good.
Great games in hot conditions from the Olney boys, with big thanks to Parnham stepping in at 10, and Keeno for having a go at scrum-half.
Solid performances from both Paddys and Cahill and great moments of magic from Bones, The Hat and Harry.
Thanks to Mike for refereeing the game.
All in all, a decent performance from a mix of Olney's senior sides.
Saturday 19th April 2008
Olney secure promotion in style
Olney 43 - 0 Beaconsfield
Saturday afternoon saw a capacity crowd for the league decider game at Olney. Despite the weather, it proved to be an enjoyable afternoon of fantastic rugby with Olney sealing the victory with a convincing win of 43-0. This secures Olney’s promotion to South West Two East for 2008/09.
 The opening of the game was very much a kicking game with both teams looking for territory. With the added pressure on the Olney players to win to secure promotion it was no surprise that Captain, Dave Smith took advantage of an early penalty awarded for ill discipline and kicked up field for the line out. This was won by Olney, and in true style the forwards drove over the line for number eight, Ian Bennett to score the first try of the game. Beaconsfield were straight back at Olney and Inside Centre, Chris Parnham did well to win the ball and pass to Full Back, Duncan Taylor who quickly stepped inside his opposite man and stormed up field and passing to Winger, Scott Filler who continued the run unfortunately going into touch just short of the try line.
The Beaconsfield Scrum Half was awarded a yellow card after Olney’s Scrum Half, Dave Terry took a quick tap penalty and he failed to retreat causing an obstruction. Giving Olney the one man over lap was clearly shown in the next phase of play. From Flanker, Stuart Howkins winning the Beaconsfield line out, the ball was quickly shipped from Centre, Rhys Peakman to Winger, Will Edwards to Duncan Taylor to Scott Filler with Rhys Peakman looping round and scoring in the corner. This was not converted but took Olney to 10-0. Seconds later Olney were straight back on the attack and with Will Edwards running strongly up field he passed to Duncan Taylor who was on his shoulder in support and looked to score a try, only the referee deemed it to be a forward pass. Therefore it was a Beaconsfield scrum five metres out in front of the posts, and with a bit of confusion in both teams it was Second Row, Jack Sutton who proved to be alert and pick up the loose ball to score a try, which was converted by Dave Smith giving Olney a comfortable 17-0 lead at half time.
The second half proved to be just an enjoyable game to watch with Olney controlling the game, looking sharp when in attack and solid in defence. Beaconsfield continued to do their utmost to gain territory choosing to chip over Olney’s solid defensive line, though not a great option when Duncan Taylor was quick as ever to run back and around them from Full Back position. Olney’s back line looked smart through out, with Rhys Peakman scoring again from linking support play after Will Edwards started another great run up field. This was converted by Dave Smith. With a substitution of Ian Bennett being replaced by player/coach Ross Stewart a fresh pair of legs continued the great work rate of the forwards, who controlled their set pieces well against a large Beaconsfield pack. Duncan Taylor made a great run for an individual try. This was again quickly followed by the forwards catching and driving from a line out, with Prop, Ollie Brackenbury being awarded the try. This was converted just short of the touch line by Dave Smith.
Olney made a couple more changes with Prop, George Stanton being replaced after a great game by Dean Henrickson and Scott Filler being replaced after some great running rugby by Rory Duncan. Olney remained in control of the game in the closing stages, with the referee having a word with both Captains to remind their players of discipline as the Beaconsfield team obviously finding no way through Olney’s defence rather infuriating. From an Olney scrum the ball was spun wide through the backs once more for Duncan Taylor to score his second try of the afternoon, which was converted by Dave Smith giving Olney the winning score of 43-0.
Tries; Ian Bennett, Rhys Peakman x2, Duncan Taylor x2, Jack Sutton, Ollie Brackenbury
Conversions; Dave Smith x4
Forwards Man of the match; Mark Lay Backs Man of the Match; Duncan Taylor
The score was a true reflection of Olney’s season, showing their defensive record is superb and that they can repeatedly score tries in both the forwards and backs purely down to team work which every player should be commended on. Olney now have to look forward to a new season in a new league, and would like to take this opportunity to invite players to join their successful club.
Saturday 12th April 2008
After slow start, Olney come out on top!
Buckingham 20 - 39 Olney
With expectation high in the Olney camp, and a must win game at Buckingham to remain top of the league it was never going to be an easy fixture. It was Buckingham who were first to get a score with an easy three points by their Fly Half, followed by a good try by their Centre who spotted a gap and breezed under the posts, which their Fly Half duly converted taking them to an early lead of 10-0. Their Fly Half had another attempt at goal from a penalty though this was rather ambitious, and no surprise that it was not converted.
Having had Buckingham have a good few attacking phases against them, and ten nil up, Olney re-grouped began to relax into their game and started to look more composed as a team. Second Row Stephen Harrison made an attacking run with the forwards on his shoulder for support, and with Buckingham’s players playing off side from every angle the referee held his arm out for Olney’s advantage. Though as the ball was knocked on in play he then awarded Buckingham the scrum. This was deemed to be rather controversial as Olney had not received any advantage from the opposition being off side. Needless to say Olney played to the whistle and playing against the wind into the sun they continued to defend well, and look dangerous when on the attack.
Prop, Dean Henrickson was replaced by Ollie Brackenbury after an injury, and it was from the next scrum that Olney scored their first try of the game with the ginger Winger, Rory Duncan running a great line to pass to Full Back, Scott Filler to score. This was not converted. The whole tempo of the game was increased with both packs working hard to win ball and form a solid base for their backs to work from. Buckingham were awarded another penalty which their Fly half once again converted taking the score to 13-5 at half time.
Olney’s number eight Ian Bennett was replaced by Gareth Cahill after a strong first half performance. With Buckingham kicking deep up field from the restart, Fly Half Dave Smith chose to kick back up field thus giving Olney territory, though Buckingham the line out. Though, from here Flanker, Tom Stanton made a great tackle as a player left the line out and winning Olney the ball which was then quickly passed through the backs to Winger, Will Edwards who ran in a try. This was not converted, but took the score closer to 13-10 in Buckingham’s favour. Not convinced they could win a game with such a close score Buckingham’s Fly Half made a fine individual try chipping over and beating the opposition to the loose ball to score a try, which he then converted taking the point difference back to ten points.
Olney now upped their game and with Rhys Peakman and Chris Parnham working well together in the Centre, it was no surprise that Rhys should score his first try of the afternoon from a simple backs move and then beating four Buckingham players on his own. This was converted taking the scores back to 17-20. Olney determined to score again, looked more determined than ever and looked a well drilled team. With their next score coming from a combination of set pieces in the forwards with great work from Prop, George Stanton and looking up realising there was another forty metres to go he opted to go to ground again and allow the ball to be spun to the backs and Rhys Peakman ran in his second try, not being converted but taking Olney into the lead 20-22. Back on the attack almost immediately and still on fire from his last try, Rhys chose to have a little chip and chase which he caught, brushing off the Full Back and passing to Hooker, Adam Kelsall who was flying through in support to score a try. This was converted by Dave Smith, taking Olney into a stronger position of 20-29.
With the referee announcing only ten minutes remained, both teams did their utmost to win breakdowns and gain territory making it an enjoyable game of rugby for spectators from both teams. Although it was more enjoyable for the away supporter’s, as they watched Rory Duncan steam in to the corner for a try, though it was not converted. This was then closely followed by another Rhys Peakman try to complete his hat trick taking the final score to 39-20 to Olney.
A most rewarding score after a great game of rugby by both teams alike. Though Olney had the slight edge, with that must win determination which shone through their performance. This must now be carried over to the last fixture at home against Beaconsfield to win the league and be rewarded by promotion.
Tries; Scott Filler, Will Edwards, Rhys Peakman x3, Adam Kelsall, Rory Duncan
Conversions; Dave Smith x2
Saturday 5th April 2008
Olney win in President's day clash
Olney 66 - 0 Long Buckby
With a large number of supporter’s on President’s Day, it was pleasing to see Olney the clear winners after running in a dozen tries to none. The game started on the same lines as the weather, dull and damp. Though it wasn’t long before the Olney forwards took advantage of a penalty, having a line out five metres out and simply catching and driving with Hooker, Adam Kelsall scoring the first try of the game. Whilst the conversion was attempted Coach, Ross Stewart made a few suggestions to the team to improve their game. This was obviously taken on board as it was reflected in each players performance.
Long Buckby took a quick tap penalty and some great tackles from Winger, Will Edwards and Full back, Scott Fuller prevented them from scoring. With the sun coming out and the afternoon feeling more like Spring, Olney began to look relaxed and in control of the game with the sun most definitely shinning on them as they began to start running in a few tries. From an Olney scrum, a quick pass out wide to Will Edwards put him in for his first try of the afternoon. This was quickly followed by Second Row, Stephen Harrison winning the ball which was passed from Flanker, Tom Stanton to number Eight, Ian Bennett to Second Row, Mark Lay who scored a try.
Long Buckby were awarded a penalty mid field after the referee deemed a high tackle. This they chose to run and Olney proved their defence would not be beaten, as all players stood their ground and forced Long Buckby to loose possession from knocking the ball on in a tackle. From the Olney scrum the ball was kicked up field and Will Edwards looked certain to beat the full back, but was himself beaten by Flanker Gareth Cahill who himself carried the ball over the line. Unfortunately the referee deemed this to be held up, so there was no try awarded on this occasion. Though not to be out done of a try, Olney were quick to score from Ian Bennett picking up from the back of the scrum and passing out to Scrum Half, Dave Terry who quickly passed to Will Edwards to get his second try of the afternoon. This was converted by Fly Half, Richard James taking the score to 22-0 to Olney at half time.
The second half continued along the same lines as the first with Olney the more dominant team, and as the temperature increased so did Olneys game. They immediately looked to score as Centre, Rhys Peakman ran up field unluckily for him his foot went into touch just yards from the try line. Though only seconds later the forwards had managed to win Long Buckby’s line out and drove over for Prop, Ollie Brackenbury to score a try. With another substitution of Will Edwards coming off, Richard James moved onto the Wing, Dave Smith moved to Fly Half and Duncan Taylor came on as Inside Centre and immediately made his presence known by stepping past as few Long Buckby players and running up field making a great off load to Prop, George Stanton running on in support who dived to score a try.
Another substitution of Flankers, Tom Stanton and Gareth Cahill being replaced by Jack Sutton and Johnny Carr continued the high work rate of the forwards supporting the backs superbly. An example of which as Richard James took a catch out wide and had a strong run though the ball was lost in the tackle, as it went backwards Adam Kelsall saw space, kicked up field and dropped on it over the line to score his second try. Richard James was then replaced by Will Edwards after a light injury. Olney not slowing down at all, with Will Edwards storming down the wing for what looked like would be another try, only to be deemed in touch. Olney then won Long Buckby’s line out and a quick pass from Dave Terry to Dave Smith allowed Smith to run straight up field from half way with no full back to beat scoring an easy try. This was converted by Duncan Taylor. Stephen Harrison was now replaced by Ross Stewart who was quick to get involved in the game by passing to Adam Kelsall who had a superb run up field and supported by Winger, Luke Day who continued the run to score a try. Try time came round a few more times more for Olney, with Will Edwards completing his hat trick of tries by a flying individual run from over half way, deservedly named man of the match. Then Duncan Taylor scored a couple of tries from running some great angles through the Long Buckby defence taking the final score to 66-0.
Olney proved they have a great squad of players and would encourage supporters to make the last away trip of the season to Buckingham on Saturday to support your team.
Tries; Adam Kelsall x2, Will Edwards x3, Mark Lay, George Stanton, Ollie Brackenbury, Dave Smith, Luke Day, Duncan Taylor x2
Conversions; Richard James x1, Duncan Taylor x1, Will Edwards x1
Saturday 29th March 2008
Draw, but Olney remain top
Olney 7 - 7 Swindon
The weather on Saturday afternoon in Olney was more pleasing for ducks than rugby players and spectators. With the strong wind and the horizontal rain, it was obvious from the whistle that it would be a forwards game.
Olney managed to keep Swindon pinned back in their twenty-two for the first fifteen minutes, looking likely to score at any point. Though Swindon repeatedly defended well, they did give away two penalties to Olney within kicking distance. With the combination of a strong wind and nerves for this must win fixture they were both unfortunately missed by Fly half Richard James. He did however make up for this, by scoring a try by simply running straight through the gap between the Swindon Fly Half and Inside Centre to score just to the left of the posts. This was then converted by Olney’s Inside Centre, Dave Smith taking Olney into the lead 7-0.
The first half remained with Olney on the attack for the majority, with one try disallowed, as deemed held up, and other try’s simply not coming after some well worked phases of play. Swindon had a couple of attacking phases, but basic errors of simply not releasing the ball gave Olney back the possession. Though in the first half, the Swindon forwards were controlling the scrums well. This left the score at 7-0 in Olney’s favour at half time.
The second half followed on the same lines as the first, with the forwards having to work extremely hard in not pleasant conditions. Olney’s young second row, Jack Sutton was rewarded for his efforts by being awarded man of the match. Olney’s Prop George Stanton also had a strong game making some great runs. There were a few substitutions with Prop, Dean Henrickson being replaced by Ollie Brackenbury. Steven Harrison replaced number eight, Ian Bennett after a fine performance and Rory Duncan came on as Centre moving David Smith to Fly half as Richard James went off.
Olney again pinning Swindon back in their twenty-two had a handful of chances to score tries, though Swindon repeatedly prevented them finishing off and tried to make the most of their chances by kicking up field to gain territory whenever possible. Olney’s Full Back, Scott Filler covered well and made some strong runs back up field himself using Wingers, Will Edwards and Luke Day in support. Swindon’s stocky Inside Centre did however manage to score a try from a missed tackle, which was converted by their Full Back taking the score to 7-7.
With both teams desperate to get another score, the work rates from players was impressive and the closing phases of play were truly enjoyable to watch even in such miserable conditions. Olney played with true grit and determination and the support play from both forwards and backs was superb. Although with Swindon working just as hard in defence, there were no more scores to be made, leaving the final score at 7-7.
Tries: Richard James
Conversions; David Smith
This now leaves Olney at the top of the table only by points difference, and they must win their final two league games to be promoted.
Saturday 8th March 2008
Weekend of the under dog!!
Slough 25 - 14 Olney
Olney made the away trip to Slough keen to remain a few points clear at the top of the league. Though with a few key players unavailable for this fixture they suffered a 25-14 defeat, which could have been even worse had Slough’s Fly Half been kicking on target and not missed three conversions and two penalties!
Slough received the ball from the start and looked determined to make their mark early on. Though with Olney’s solid wall of defence the Fly Half chose to chip over the top, and Olney’s ever reliable Full Back Steve Gunther gathered up the ball and sprinted out of his twenty two passing a couple of Slough players, and off loading to Outside Centre Will Edwards who in turn ran up field and making a lovely pass to Inside Centre Rhys Peakman who brushed off a couple of players to score a try within minutes from the kick off. This was converted by Scrum Half Adam Wells giving Olney the early 7-0 lead.
Slough rattled by the great work of Olney’s backs turned the game around and kept the ball in their forwards who gave Olney’s forwards a hard afternoon. They dominated scrums, though this was not surprising as they had an early nudge on every scrum giving them the advantage. The referee seemed to turn a blind eye to this for most of the game, along with the back row not staying bound and breaking early. Though it was Slough who were awarded an early penalty for an Olney player not rolling away from a tackle and their Fly Half converted in front of the posts. Then only minute’s later Slough scored a try after their scrum half picked up from the back of the scrum and jinked over the line. This the Fly Half converted taking them into the lead 10-7.
Olney made a substitution of second row Steve Harrison coming off through a reoccurring injury, being replaced by George Stanton. The period before half time was not great rugby from either team, with penalties being given awarded to both teams. Slough looked keen to keep the ball in the forwards for as long as possible, and never looked to be a danger when the ball was passed to their backs. Olney however needed to do the opposite as their forwards were on the receiving end of a beating at times, and this proved a problem to get the ball out to their back line. The score remained at 10-7 to Slough at half time.
The second half proved as predictable as the first with Slough keeping the ball in their forwards whenever possible. Both teams made some good attacking phases but Olney failed to get the ball out to their backs quick enough, missing a couple of valuable opportunities of scoring out wide. Slough scored one more try from a forwards phase of play, another from their Scrum Half and one from their winger running a lovely angled line out wide. Their Fly Half failed to convert all three of these. Olney made another substitution for Flanker Johnny Carr being replaced by Luke Day. Not pleased with Sloughs number of tries, Olney took advantage of a quick tap penalty and with quick hands through the backs and great off loads whilst being tackled it was Full Back Steve Gunther who ran in to score a try. This was converted by Adam Wells. This left the final score 25-14 to the home team.
Olney now have two weeks to reflect on this performance and prepare for their next league fixture at home to Swindon on Saturday 29 March, which is a must win game. With only three league fixtures left to the season and only one point clear at the top of the table, all players must put every effort into committing themselves to training to enable the coaching staff to work with them as a team not an individual.
Tries; Rhys Peakman, Steve Gunther
Conversions; Adam Wells x2
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