Colts Match Reports

Olney 17 – Oundle 17

A lunch time pitch inspection was required to ensure safe playing conditions – not too cold.  Little did the author know that when the go ahead was given we were in for such a ‘hot’ and exciting game.  Olney visited Oundle in October and came away 29-6 losers.  But this Olney Colts side has improved and have grown in statue.

Olney got off to a very good start, keeping possession, and moving the ball around confidently. This resulted in Alex George popping up in the centre to score the opening try. It was duly converted by Jonny Munday.  Oundle however had the bigger pack and Olney struggled through out the game to win set ball, although this was not from lack of trying.  But possession is important and the Oundle Number 8 picked up and drove for the line to bring the score to 7 –5.  This was replied to by a Mundy penalty to bring the score to 10 – 5.  But this game was to see-saw and Oundle then countered with a try to bring the score to 10 – 10 at half time. 

The second half saw some tense and exciting rugby; both sides realising that a single score would settle this game.  Oundle went for the aerial attack, but this was thwarted by some great catching and superb elusive counter running by full back Jamie Day.  It was Oundle who struck first in the 2^nd half with a converted try. 10 – 17.

Olney did get a try in the 2nd half from James Moody after some good driving from the forwards.  Each time Olney got into a try scoring position Scouts committed fouls and although Olney received penalties the referee didn’t wish to use his yellow card. The frustration resulted in a bit of hand bags which resulted in 3 yellow cards.

The two teams battled it out, both sides trying to get the upper hand.  Dunstable broke through looking likely to score but who should pop up but Day to produce a try saving tackle and save 7 points.  However despite some great Olney defence Dunstable finally broke through to score a try: 3 – 5. 

Olney hit back with some good interlinks between forwards and backs.  They do what they do best; that is keeping the ball alive with quick recycling, this culminating with the ball being passed wide. James George received the ball when he appeared on the wing.  He pinned back his ears and sprinted for the corner.  Good Dunstable defence prevented him from taking the lead for Olney.

One had the feeling that this game could go either way and both teams showed great determination to win.  Matt Goss was proving to be a thorn in the Dunstable side; he materialized all over the pitch and there was always the thought that when he gathered the ball he was going to score.  He tackled well too to keep the Dunstable attack out.  Half way though the second half, Captain James Moody was yellow carded for allegedly illegally slowing down Dunstable ball, but in reality he was proving to be an aggregation to the opposition and turning over ball with bravery and skill.  During this 10 minutes Olney had to baton down the hatches and Alex George stepped up to complement his extraordinary line-out work by leading and motivating the team whilst his captain was serving his chastisement in the sin bin. 

In this very close game, Dunstable were awarded a penalty which was duly dispatched giving the home side a 3 – 8 lead.

This proved to be the final score.

 Olney 29 Daventry 12

Olney 6 Oundle 29

Olney travelled to for this league match in buoyant mood following their 70 – 7 win the week before against BBOB.  Unfortunately there were to come up against a very strong Oundle side.  Olney started well enough and following two penalties awarded by the referee Jonny Munday kicked Olney into an early lead.  Olney deserved this lead because the pressure they were putting onto Oundle produced the penalties.

Olney 5 Bugbrooke 23

The opening ten minutes saw Olney camped in the visitors twenty two promising to avenge the away defeat in November, but they flattered to deceive as once again the colts were bullied off the park by a far stronger pack. Bugbrooke forward power was clearly demonstrated when they scored four tries with driving play from their set piece to close the first half with twenty unanswered points.

A good second half defensive effort from Olney restricted the opposition to a single penalty and Olney managed to score a try in the last move of the match. Although Olney coped well with a quality Bugbrooke back line they could not match the visitors pack and unless the lack of power in the front five is addressed it is difficult to see how Olney will get enough possession to win matches.

Although the game produced no stand out Olney candidates for man of the match, the team never gave up as clearly demonstrated by the second half score line; five points to three in favour of Olney.

Olney 0 Earlsdon 29

After a convincing win over Dunstable in the National Colts Plate in early January, Olney welcomed Earlsdon for the next round. Within five minutes Earlsdon had set out their stall for the afternoon, they were going to bulldoze Olney into submission with forward power. They subjected Olney to a succession of punishing scrums and driving multi-phase forward play; desperate defence held them up over the line three times in succession before the pressure told and Olney conceded the opening try half way through the first half and another five minutes later.

Olney came back into the match for the remainder of the half mounting some decent attacks to get within striking distance of the Earlsdon line but were unable to convert the pressure into points as they too often gave away possession at lineouts and in the loose. Although twelve points adrift, Olney ended the first half with the momentum and for twenty minutes of the second half looked like they could get back into the match. But Earlsdon’s forwards regrouped, kept it tight and produced two tries in four minutes which killed off the match as a competitive spectacle as the game slipped into the final quarter.

Earlsdon deserved their victory and although Olney were very much on the back foot the team stuck at their task, particularly up front, and they can be pleased with their defensive commitment. However they were not able to handle the physicality of the visitors pack and had no option, but to conceded points, as they ran out of pitch to defend.

There was no clear Man of the Match candidate this week as it was very much a collective defensive effort, but a number of players should be mentioned; Sam Moinet for hooking under extreme pressure, Goldie made a welcome return to the team where he made a nuisance of himself at flanker, the 10 / 12 defensive combination of John Berkley and Tom Johnson, and finally the last ditch tackling of fullback Ieuan Evans and winger Jamie Day.

Dunstable 5 Olney 15

Olney travelled to Dunstable without their captain and number eight, missing their usual second row, with centre Luke Day debuting at openside flanker and fielding a new half-back pairing. But any doubts about whether this team could win were dispelled within five minutes of the start as Olney took control and went on to dominate the match running out convincing winners fifteen points to five.

Spending the majority of the first-half inside the Dunstable twenty two Olney retained possession to launch a series of attacks from lineouts, scrums and freekicks. Under this constant pressure Dunstable’s attempts to stop the visitors endeavour resulted, on twenty minutes, in the first of their three yellow cards. Olney’s intent was rewarded ten minutes later when quick ball from a five metre scrum found inside centre Alex Page who cut against the drift defence to go over an unconverted try. The visitors continued to dominate possession and territory, constantly pushing Dunstable who picked up their second yellow card in the final minute of the first-half which allowed prop Josh Large to effortlessly slot the penalty for an eight nil lead.

Olney resumed the match and patiently put together multi-phase play to get within five meters of the try line before being penalised for a forward pass. The relief for Dunstable was short lived as number eight, Tom Wheeler, ripped the ball from a subsequent maul and broke free, supported by James Moody, to link with the backs to send outside centre Tom Johnson over for a try which was converted by Josh Large.

In the final quarter Dunstable managed to gain some momentum and scored a consolation try through their forward power five minutes before time, but by then they were out of the competition.

A well deserved victory for Olney who outplayed a Dunstable side who had limited options behind the scrum and whose huge pack, although dominant at the scrum, were matched in the lineout and well beaten in the loose.

Man of the Match nominations came mainly from the pack as they fronted up to the physical challenge from Dunstable, of particular note were: hooker Sam Moinet’s play in the tight and the quality loose forward play from James Moody, Tom Wheeler and novice openside Luke Day who lived on the offside line like a true seven and went well in the lineout. But they were edged out this week by Steve Dennis, who on his debut for the colts gave a scrum half display with a speed of thought and action which gave momentum to Olney and for which Dunstable had no answer.

Old Northamptonians  21 Olney 12

Olney opened the New Year with a tough away league match with ONs, a fixture that often marked by confrontation, but a strangely flat first half performance from the Olney pack allowed ONs to gain momentum to score three tries in eight minutes mid-way through the first half.

Captain James Moody led a much improved Olney second half performance where they scored scoring two tries, concede no points and finished the match the stronger side. Good early pressure and possession set up Olney’s first try when quick ball from a scrum on the ONs ten metre line released a backs move during which outside-half Skins cutout pass found winger Nick Kelsall who ran in for a classic wingers try in the corner.

Olney continued to pressure the opposition with good work around the park although they were unable to secure lineout ball from several promising positions. But the continuing pressure was beginning to tell on ONs as their frustration and infringements increased handing Olney a series of penalties.

The opposition frustration mounted still further when the ball, from an Olney kick, was being shepherded to the deadball line by their fullback when Olney flanker Peter TG managed to touch the ball down for an unlikely try, which with Nick Kelsall’s conversion closed the gap to nine points with ten minutes to go. Olney sensed that the ONs forwards were tiring and pressed hard for another score but ONs were able to slow the ball down and obstruct Olney attacking play. The referee finally had enough when he handed a red card to an ONs prop but Olney were unable to advantage of the extra man with only two minutes remaining on the clock.

A poor first half followed by a committed and entertaining second half offered a mixed bag of Man of the Match candidates, but Skins played well at outside half, Pete TG continues to develop and deserved his try but for his tireless work in the loose and leadership in mounting a second half fight back this week’s Man of the Match is captain and hooker James Moody.

Saturday 22/12/07 (Friendly)

Market Harborough 17 Olney 7

A cold dark December afternoon saw Olney take the field under floodlights for their last match of 2007 which delivered plenty of endeavour from both sides but spoilt by poor refereeing decisions that seemingly penalised Olney whenever they threatened the Market Harborough twenty two.

Market Harborough started well but committed Olney defence and set piece play that disrupted the opposition lineout and took two against the head, restricted the opposition to a three nil lead after twenty minutes. Unfortunately as Olney started to force their way into the match through some good forward drives and interplay with the backs Market Harborough stole an interception try for ten point lead which they held onto until half time.

Olney started the second half with intent and from an early lineout Johnny Carr scored, with Jack Sutton converting, to close the gap to three points. But Olney’s weak bench came back to haunt them when ten minutes into the second half centre Luke Day retired injured forcing Olney into a reorganisation which resulted in a centre pairing of number eight Jack Sutton and second row Pete Atkinson; and although they acquitted themselves well both forward and back play was diminished.

Against the run of play Market Harborough scored a try made somewhat easier when the Olney defence held off as they believed that the player had clearly run into touch, but this was not called by the touch judge.

Saturday 24/11/07 (Friendly)

Olney 17 Wellingborough 5

Olney returned home after three weeks on the road looking to build on last Saturday’s victory against Stockwood Park. For the first time this season Olney started a match well and the early pressure was rewarded when a well worked three-quarter move saw outside half Sam Skinsley go over for a 5:0 lead.

With the match entering the second quarter centre Luke Day collected a chip from Sam Skinsley and made twenty metres before being held up on the try line, but quick recycling work gave blindside flanker TG a well deserved try, taking the score to 10:0. Having parity up front and a confident backline Olney managed to create several chances before fullback Ieuan Evan’s angled run shredded the visitors defence for a try, which Adam Wells converted to hand Olney a 17:0 half-time lead.

Just into the second half Olney lost their rhythm as scrum half Adam Wells was unfortunately stretchered off. For the remainder of the match Olney had to battle hard against a hefty street-wise Wellingborough pack and although they conceded a try they secured a well earned 17:5 victory.

Another good team performance from the Olney squad saw a number of players showing up well, in particular Sam Skinsley’s first half display at outside half and lock Alex George’s quality lineout work. But this week’s Man of the Match award goes to openside flanker Mat Turner, for an excellent all round hard grafting game.

Saturday 17/11/07 (Friendly)

Stockwood Park 7 Olney 43

After two dismal performances Olney arrived at Stockwood Park looking to get their season back on track, but a bright start was thrown away when a loose kick was run back through dire Olney defence to hand the opposition a seven nil lead.

Olney facing a bleak afternoon, and perhaps a bleak season, desperately needed to prove they could play rugby. The proof was delivered three minutes later when superb team pressure ended with a Luke Day try that turned the match and may yet prove to be the turning point of the season. Although Stockwood Park tried to step up their game they were unable to master a transformed Olney side and they soon conceded the lead when the Olney forwards drove Pete Atkinson over from a five metre lineout to give the visitors a three point lead, which they took into the half-time break.

A confident and intent Olney team took the field for the second half and immediately pressured Stockwood Park, gaining a penalty on their twenty two. Quickly taken the ball was swiftly move wide releasing fullback Ieuan Evans who cut the opposition defensive line at speed for the opening try of the half, the Adam Wells conversion handed Olney a 17:7 lead three minutes into the second half.

Within three minutes the solid Olney scrum took one against the head and Adam Wells quickly fed an eager backline, but desperate Stockwood Park defence forced a lineout inside their twenty two. The respite was brief as Olney, who were now winning lineout ball at will, launched the backs for Luke Day to claim his second try of the afternoon, taking the lead out to 22:7.

Although Olney allowed Stockwood Park back into the match for a brief ten minute spell the initiative was decisively wrested back when wing, Mat Norman, collected a loose kick and powered up field with backs and forwards joining the attack to force Stockwood Park to concede a penalty five metres out. Taken quickly, the opposition were unable to stop Jack Sutton charging over for a try, which was converted for a 29:7 lead as the match moved into the last quarter.

Olney were now in complete control and soon increase their lead to 36:7 as another loose opposition kick was punished when Mat Norman scored under the posts. The final Olney try came from yet another good scrum when quick ball saw Ieuan Evans released at pace to scythe his way through the opposition from thirty metres out for the final try of the afternoon, which Adam Wells converted for a convincing 43:7 Olney victory.

After such a dominant team display man of the match candidates were plentiful. Upfront the usual suspects of Jack Sutton, Pete Atkinson and James Moody were magnificent, whilst Alex George provided some excellent lineout ball. But this match will be remembered as the one in which the backs discovered their confidence in attack and commitment in defence, and all could merit a mention, but man of the match goes to Matt Jackson who embodied the commitment and enthusiasm of the entire back line.

BBOB 17 Olney 3

Olney travelled to BBOB determined to improve on the debacle at Bugbrooke last Saturday, but with only five minutes gone poor concentration and defence again let an opposition team score early points. However Olney rallied with good work upfront creating several scoring opportunities but silly penalties, handling and option selection in the backs let BBOB off the hook. Although Adam Wells did claim a penalty it was insufficient reward for the Olney pressure, so at the close of the first half BBOB deservedly led 5:3.

The match hung in the balance until, with ten minutes left, BBOB took a quick penalty on the Olney twenty two and crashed through feeble defence to extend their lead to 10:3. Again Olney rallied and twice managed to get the ball to the opposition line but turnovers and penalties prevented them from scoring. The game ended when BBOB took a strike against the head on half-way and reacting faster than Olney attacked at pace to secure a 17:3 win.

The match failed to offer a stand out Man of the Match, although there were some committed performances notably in the loose from Jack Sutton, Pete Atkinson and James Moody. Frustratingly Olney have the players who are capable of beating teams at this level, but as yet they don’t have a team capable of doing so.

Bugbrooke 34 Olney 15

The encouraging progress in team and individual performances shown by Olney this season was thrown into reverse this weekend when a good Olney team failed to fire and was consequently well beaten.

Conceding possession, territory and the initiative for most of the first half Olney were lucky to only be seven points adrift as the first half closed with Bugbrooke ahead 7:0.

The second half started well for Olney when Luke Day cut his way deep into the Bugbrooke half and quick recycling released the Olney inside centre for a try under the posts which was duly converted by Adam Wells to draw the match level. But as the match moved into the last quarter Bugbrooke capitalised on their possession and territory to extend their lead to 12:7.

Recognising the increasingly brittle nature of the Olney defence Bugbrooke stormed through to score four more tries in fifteen minutes, with Olney managing a solitary penalty in response to push the score to 34:10.With the last move of the match Olney scored from good forward pressure but it was too little too late and a disappointing match ended with Bugbrooke deserved winners 34:15.