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Ladies Match Reports 07-08Ladies lose league by narrowest of margins Olney ladies v Loughborough Sunday 20 April Lost 0-5
It was winner takes all in yesterday’s league game with Olney travelling to Loughborough for the final show down in Midlands 2. Olney started brightly with winger Maddy Bowley looking menacing from the offset, being bundled into touch twice whilst threatening for the line. Olney were controlling the game well with solid offloads and good rucking from Helen Hacker and Kat Woods. Some powerful running took Olney up the pitch and the away team had all the possession for much of the first quarter, but just couldn’t quite get over the line.
Strong tackling was a core element of this game for both sides – Loughborough’s back line weren’t letting anyone through and superb hits from Lou Osborne and Sarah Larner prevented the home team making a break. Nerves were obviously in play as both teams made some unforced errors, resulting in a large number of early scrums. Scrum half Kirsty Duncan had an immense game and managed well under pressure from her opposite number.
Half time brought a welcome break from this intense game and both sides were keen to press on and try to win. The second half was exhausting with possession changing hands regularly, and both teams under huge pressure. Kirsty Duncan made a good break for Olney and whipped through, offloading to winger Carice Allen who did well to keep the ball alive. Allen made a blazing run and looked likely to score, only to be bundled into touch by Loughborough’s full back who had a superb game in defence. Olney were looking strong and a scrum near the line looked certain to bring a score. However, Loughborough snatched back the ball and a great kick took the game back towards Olney’s 22.
Pressure from the pack took Loughborough towards the line and despite immense efforts from Olney, the home side kept the momentum going. Great tackling from Sade Hacking made supporters believe Olney could keep Loughborough out but they kept pressing and eventually, found a way through. With the score at 5-0 Olney still had a chance and the away side pressed on, with strong runs from Kat Woods and Kerry James exploiting gaps. Both teams were tiring but Olney pressed on and Loughborough seemed to start buckling, conceding penalties to take Olney further towards the line. The atmosphere was intense and Olney just ran out of time before they were able to even it up, leaving the final score at 5-0. An epic encounter between the two best Midlands teams ended Olney’s undefeated run and hopes of a promotion to North 1.
Olney and Loughborough finished the Midlands 2 league evenly on points, with Loughborough winning due to points scored.
Olney v Lutterworth
Sunday 30 March
Won 106-0
Eighteen tries from nine players, with eight conversions led to a cricket score for Olney when facing traditionally strong outfit Lutterworth at the weekend. Determined to continue their unbeaten run in Championship Midlands 2, Olney started strongly with some quick ball feeding winger Carice Allen, who blazed over the line to open the visitors’ account.
Fifteen minutes into the game, Olney were five tries up with Charlotte Mills, Lou Osborne, Mary Hardwick and Sarah Larner also going over the line. Larner, at number 8, managed another three tries before the game was out.
Just when it looked as if the entire game would be one-sided, Lutterworth proved their mettle with an excellent set of off loads leading them up the pitch. Their full back provided some pace and very nearly broke through – only Olney’s aggressive defence in the form of Claire Batty and Amanda Clarke prevented the damage. From what was a desperate situation, Olney stole the ball and shipped it wide, for full back Kellyann Davey to blaze round the defence and sprint from her own 22 to score. Winger Allen was next over the line, clearing up a spilt ball and blazing through the central channel to touch down.
Going into the second half, Olney were looking for more of the same, and started to compete more in the set piece, with new hooker Tanisha Beckford winning ball against the head in the scrum – traditionally Lutterworth’s strong point. Good off loads and fast work kept the ball alive and centre Maddy Bowley was in the right place at the right time, running in three tries for her hat trick. Mills made an impact again, scoring her second and Mary Hardwick followed suit, stealing the ball at a breakdown and snipping over the line. Tanisha Beckford converted.
The home side kept their heads high with some good mauling work which pushed Olney back. Again, excellent tackles from Kirsty Duncan and Lou Osborne held them off and it wasn’t long before the pressure told and Olney turned the ball over. Pace and power was embodied by Helen Hacker, who burst through three tackles for her try, which was swiftly followed by a brace for Kerry James. James also managed seven conversions to add to her personal total.
Olney face Longton at home next weekend with a reception ahead of the game for family, friends and supporters of the ladies’ side.
Men of the match: Kirsty Duncan; Tanisha Beckford
Blood and Guts: Second Half surge gives Olney the win
Olney v Old Leamingtonians
Sunday 2 March, won 50-0
Three bloody noses and a first half stalemate didn't detract Olney from the job ahead, as the ladies side took a valuable league win away at Old Leams. Disjointed and scrappy for most of the first half, Olney looked a shadow of their usual selves as Old Leams took their chances and initially appeared the better side.
 Pace and power saw Old Leams drive back the favourites for this game with some good incursions from their hefty pack. Superb tackling from Helen Hacker and Kat Woods prevented any damage, however, but attempts to get the away side back on course proved fruitless. A good break from full back Kellyann Davey revealed some gaps in the home side's defence but pressure just wasn't converting to points, despite a well timed kick from prop Amanda Clarke which almost gave winger Lou Osborne a scoring chance.
Old Leams were firing on all cylinders however and kept coming back at Olney. However, the 40 minutes was up with no scores for either side.
Olney galvanised at half time and immediately picked up their game, with Kirsty Duncan leading the charge. Maddy Bowley at centre was the one to dive through to touch down, with Helen Hacker converting. With a score under their belts, the ladies seemed to relax into the game and immediately from the restart, Woods collected, drove through two tacklers and handed off another, sprinting through to take the ladies 12 points ahead.
 Now the floodgates were open and Olney managed to run in five tries in fifteen minutes, with Mary Hardwick finishing off two and Davey claiming another. Old Leams managed to drive back up the pitch with some hard work from their forwards and were threatening for the line - only to see their number 10 attempt a cross field kick to the winger. Unfortunately for the home team, it was collected by Olney and fed through to new player Carys Smith, who sprinted the length of the pitch to claim her first try for the club.Carys went onto get another try as Olney kept feeding the ball wide and maintaining momentum through some positive running. Helen Hacker and Anna Holden were immense in defence and absorbed the powerful runs from the Old Leams back row. Olney were in the ascendant and another poorly executed kick led the next assault as the ball was fed through four sets of hands leaving a gap for flanker Kat Woods, who powered through another two tackles to score. Helen Hacker's total of 5 conversions left the away team with a satisfying 50 points to nil win and relief that the game was indeed, a game of two halves!!
Game, Set and Match to Olney
Olney v Shelford
Sunday 17 February, won 39-10 This Sunday, Olney Ladies who currently sit top of the Midlands 1 League, hosted mid table side Shelford at home. In the bright sunshine, it was the away side that had the better start with a try scored within the first couple of minutes. After a strong charge from the first kick off, the ball was quickly down the Shelford back line and with some strong running their winger broke though to score in the corner. >
Straight from the restart Olney showed their strength, great support play > saw Bowley weave and dodge through the disorganised defence to score under > the posts, Hacker converting. Continued pressure by the Olney forwards > again put Shelford on the back foot and tested their defence, a great dummy > and angled run from Kirsty Duncan saw her sprint through from Shelfords 22 > to claim a well deserved try. Again Hacker provided the conversion. It was Shelford that had the last say however, a quick tap penalty caught Olney unaware and the strong running back line were finally rewarded as the full back dived through the tackle and over to leave the final score 39-10. Olney continue on their unbeaten run with 9 wins from 9 games. Game, Set and Match to Olney
Olney v Wimbledon
Sunday 3 February, won 39-0
Olney Ladies kept their cool on a very chilly, windy day, to pull off a superb win against National Challenge 1 side, Wimbledon Ladies, who travelled up from London for the friendly fixture. Olney started positively, with Helen Hacker driving up the pitch and the able support of prop Claire Batty ensuring clean ball. Wimbledon absorbed the early pressure and made full use of the wind at their backs with some tactical kicks for space. Full back Kellyann Davey cleared up and made good counterattacking runs but options were limited and Olney struggled to get into their rhythm.
The visitors kept in the game with some good supported runs which gained ground and challenged Olney, but strong tackling from Kirsty Duncan and Lou Osborne kept the sheet clean. Eventually it was Olney who scored first, Davey setting up a great angle with Helen Hacker collecting and finishing the move off with a try. Olney kept the momentum going and from the restart edged up the pitch, fed the ball wide and found winger Mary Hardwick there to take it over the line.
Half time, Olney were 10-0 up.
Olney’s second half was much more dominant as the home team started to edge away with some aggressive rucking, superb support play and excellent interlinking. A huge team effort took the pink ladies up the pitch and a great break from number 8 Sarah Larner saw another score. Larner went on to ground two more tries, outplaying the Wimbledon back row with her speed and excellent low body position. Prop Amanda Clarke was the next to go over, after an excellent break from centre Maddy Bowley took the team within sniffing distance of the line.
Wimbledon replied in good fashion, their number 10 jinking through gaps and feeding her speedy back line. Their winger threatened to secure a score but concrete tackles from second row Terri Denham and Charlotte Mills ensured Olney kept a nil score against them. The last word went to a winger who scored her first try in only her second appearance – Andrea Cartmell took the ball at pace out wide and was strong enough to twist over the line. Two conversions from Helen Hacker brought Olney a clear 39 points win over their London counterparts, ending a cold and windy game but played in the excellent spirit of a friendly. Olney Keep Their Cool
Olney v LEC Stoneygate
Won 10-5
Sunday 13 January
In windy, muddy conditions, Olney took to the pitch at home for this must-win game against Stoneygate, who had a set of solid results behind them. Starting confidently, Olney made good inroads with Helen Hacker and Kerry James leading the charge. Stoneygate’s cover tackles were solid however and the early pressure wasn’t converted to points despite some pacey runs from Maddy Bowley and Lizzy Holborn.
With the wind behind them, Stoneygate’s kicker made the most of this option and drove Olney back. Davey from deep cleared up the pressure kicks and took the ball back up pitch with some excellent positive running. It seemed as if Olney had all the possession but couldn’t break through the Stoneygate defence.
Despite the pressure from the home side, it was Stoneygate with the first score however, after a kick and chase paid off putting them 5-0 up at half time.
Olney regrouped at half time and emerged with renewed energy into the second 40. Kat Woods at number 8 was a thorn in the Stoneygate side, stealing ball, making aggressive tackles and creating opportunities with some strong running. Lizzi Leach at second row had some good supporting roles as ball carrier and soon Olney were threatening for the line. Centre Kerry James was the one to touch down with an excellent crashing run taking out three defenders and finding the try line. A series of penalties against Olney gave the away side a chance to get back on the offensive but good tackling kept the threat at bay. Olney once again drove up the park, flanker Sade Hacking making a good impression on her first game for the team. Stoneygate then developed a series of injuries at key moments in the game, halting the game and slowing down the flow that Olney had built. All players were, thankfully, on their feet again soon after what had appeared to be serious injuries, but this seemingly cynical tactic continued until the whistle blew. Not put off however, Olney kept their momentum and full back Kellyann Davey was the one to burst over the line to take Olney 10-5 ahead. Some tricky moments ensued as Stoneygate were gifted more penalties but a threat for the line was snuffed out by superb tackling from Helen Hacker and Claire Batty. Holding them off, Olney finished the game 10-5 up and are now proudly sitting at the top of the Midlands 2 league table, starting the 2008 year as they hope to finish - as leaders in the league. Olney face second placed Loughborough next Sunday for a game which will no doubt be keenly fought, as the winner will surely secure top spot in the table.
Narrow Defeat to Accomplished OAs
Olney v Old Albanians
Lost 17-19
Saturday 15 December
The last game before the Christmas break brought the accomplished Old Albanians (OA) side to Olney for a friendly. Playing in a league above Olney, OAs were a challenging side and this exciting game was a great chance for Olney to prove their mettle.
The game started well for Olney as immediately the home team got into the rhythm of their game. Some excellent incursions from prop Kat Woods and fly half Kerry James took the pink ladies up the pitch and within minutes a score had beckoned as flanker Helen Hacker burst through to touch down. Excellent scrummaging from the home side saw hooker Tanisha Beckford secure ball and Olney’s pack stood up well to the test of OA’s accomplished forwards. Olney were soon on the charge again as centre Maddy Bowley made a breakthrough. Well supported by the back line, some good handling saw full back Kellyann Davey go through to score, with the conversion from Helen Hacker.
12-0 up, Olney’s confidence was growing but it was now that OAs came together to fight back. Using their quick back line to make the hard yards, OAs took flight up the pitch and eventually set up an excellent rolling maul which took them over the line. From the restart some excellent tackling from Olney prevented early damage from OAs. Centre Lou Osborne and fly half Kerry James put in some great hits to disrupt OA’s game and force errors. Possession switched hands from minute to minute leading to some exciting passages of play from both sides. It was OAs who were the next beneficiaries however as their backs once again put their foot on the gas and went over the line.
Half time – 12-12
Both sides entered the second half with a refreshed sense of purpose as the game really could go to either team. Olney were the first to make inroads with Woods and Tanya Cartmell impressive in loose play. Some good work from Kerry James at fly half took Olney back up the pitch and quick hands led to the third try for centre Maddy Bowley.
Quick to reply with pressure, OAs pushed hard to force Olney on to the back foot. Some excellent quick hands and fast running took them up the pitch and their winger eventually saw a gap and streaked through to score. The conversion put OAs two points ahead of the home side and despite a late surge of pressure, Olney couldn’t get over the line and were left two points short. Despite the loss, this was a great test for Olney which the players rose to, challenging this Division One side in great fashion. Eight Try Victory for Undefeated Ladies
Olney v Longton WON 42 – 0 Sunday 25 November
Olney brought life to a barren landscape on Sunday with a superb win over Longton, maintaining their undefeated record so far this season. Olney scored within 2 minutes of the start, as Helen Hacker started the onslaught with a pounding run. From a resulting scrum, number 8 Maddy Bowley went over to open the scoring.
The first half continued with Olney camped in Longton’s half. Despite some excellent tackling from their back row, Olney’s power was evident and time after time good incursions were made by second row Lizzi Leetch and prop Amanda Clarke. It was Mary Hardwick on the win who scored the next two tries, finishing off some handy moves in the back line with blazing sprints around the outside of the defence. Full back Kellyann Davey certainly impressed with some positive running and was there in support when scrum half Kirsty Duncan made a break from kick off. With a perfectly timed pass, Duncan drew her defender and popped the ball to Davey who gladly finished it off. Olney’s pack were immense and Longton had no reply in the scrum as the away side pushed them off the ball at every set piece. Despite some good kicking gaining them ground, Longton never got past the Olney defence and soon again Olney were on the offensive. It was Davey who went over again for the next try, weaving through the opposition defenders to sprint through to score.
The second half brought a refreshed Longton side who pressured Olney much more and made good inroads with some bursting runs. Great tackling by fly half Lizzy Holbourne and hooker Anna Holden prevented any damage and Olney worked their way back up the pitch with some great support play. Claire Batty made a great attacking run, taking Olney within sniffing distance of the line and with some quick ball out to the backs, winger Lou Osborne got a try. As the rain and mist descended, full back Davey secured another two tries with some excellent running from deep, powering through the defence both times from half way, skipping past the full back to touch down. One of the tries was converted by prop Amanda Clarke to leave Olney 42-0 winners.
Olney are now undefeated in six league games and look forward to their next game in 2 weeks, against Oakham.
Hardwick hat trick leaves Lutterworth trailing
Olney Ladies v Lutterworth Sunday 11 November WON 51-0
Coming to Olney on the back of a 145-nil defeat, Lutterworth were determined to edge back into the Midlands 2 league and their game plan soon became clear as their pack started the game with some powerful mauls. Holding in Olney’s balls and disrupting the breakdown, Lutterworth proved their mettle against the home side. Olney were quick to respond however and soon managed to get the ball out wide. Winger Mary Hardwick received a ball and blazed around the Lutterworth defence to open Olney’s account, with flanker Helen Hacker converting. Some good incursions from prop Claire Batty and Hacker kept the ball alive and another pacey run from full back Kellyann Davey brought another score for Olney.
Good work at the breakdown by scrumhalf Kirsty Duncan ensured quick ball and once again Mary Hardwick was the beneficiary with another gift of a pass. Olney’s pack were up against it in the scrums as Lutterworth showed where their strength was. Some good tactical kicks from their full back pushed Olney back but turnover ball courtesy of a crunching tackle from prop Amanda Clarke gave the home side possession again. This time it was number 8 Maddy Bowley who made the ground, weaving through three tackles and then sprinting from half way to touch down – with Hacker again converting. Another score followed soon after for Davey, coming in at pace to hit a gap.
Pressure was taking its toll on Lutterworth and Olney started once again pushing for the line. A penalty conceded led to Hacker taking the ball through with a powerful run which brought another try, leaving Olney 51 points clear of the visitors.
Olney take on Longton away on 25 November – a coach is being provided for supporters. All welcome. Olney continue unbeaten run
Olney Ladies v Old Leams Sunday 4 November
Won 29-7
Olney notched up another great win to maintain their unbeaten league standing, putting 29 points past Old Leams. It wasn't a smooth affair though, as handling errors and unforced mistakes cost Olney the chance of more points.
The game started well with number 8 Sarah Larner blazing through in typical positive fashion, but OL's were quick to respond, taking the game back to Olney's half. A clearance to touch was charged down and before 10 minutes was out, the scores were even at 7-7.
OLs made the most of their opportunities, the number 10 proving handy with the boot but Davey was excellent in clearing up high balls and starting the counter attack. From an attacking scrum, number 8 Larner picked up and after drawing players popped to wing Mary HArdwick who went over to score in a textbook try.
The second half brought a more settled game for Olney. OL's pack was more solid but still Olney's forwards dominated in the loose with Lizzy Leach and Marieke Vink proving themselves useful. Clare Batty made typical incursions and with Kat Woods now on the pitch, the offensive was ramped up. Woods herself went over for the next try, with a gift of a pass from prop Amanda Clarke.
Centre Diane Purser was once again man of the match for her excellent support play, positive running and aggressive defence. Purser led the charge in stealing ball at breakdown and began the next attack with a lovely run up the pitch. After a period of pressure, it was Davey who went over to claim her second try and settle the result at 29-7.
Olney face Lutterworth at home in next week's game
LADIES REMAIN UNDEFEATED - Scrums Crush Shelford
Olney Ladies v Shelford
Sunday 28 October WON 36 – 12
Both teams were well motivated for this fixture; Olney striving to keep their unbeaten record, and Shelford keen to overturn the likely league leaders. Olney started well with some good strong running from centre Helen Hacker, who burst through a couple of tackles to start the onslaught. Olney’s handling wasn’t quite there yet and some missed passes led to the first of many scrums. It was here that Olney realised their strength however, as Shelford’s pack buckled under the pressure time after time. The ball came Olney’s way and after a good incursion from the back line, centre Maddy Bowley went over to score, with Hacker providing the conversion.
Soon after, Shelford came back into it and after a series of tactical kicks, they were within Olney’s 22. The fast pace and strong running couldn’t be stopped and soon enough, the scores were even. Olney seemed to pick up the game again and despite some messy periods of play, good interlinking from the forwards and a great rolling maul took Olney back up the pitch. Quick hands through the back line saw Bowley go over for her second try. The third followed soon after with prop Claire Batty bursting through the backs and sprinting over the line, with a conversion from Hacker taking Olney 19 – 7 up at half time.
Shelford came back into the game in the second half and used their strength in kicking to gain ground. Some lax work from Olney gave them the edge but great tackling from full back Kellyann Davey and winger Diane Purser prevented a score. Flanker Kat Woods was instrumental in attack and defence, grounding opposition quickly and always going past the gain line in attack. It was Kat who managed the next score, bashing over the line through a tackle to claim a try. Full back Davey absorbed the pressure from high kicks from the Shelford fly half and provided some useful counter attacking options with her own kicks. Great work at the breakdown saw Olney turn over ball and gain possession and throughout the game, the scrums were magnificent. More rolling mauls followed and the forwards dictated the game, with Hacker and Woods linking up well to create options. Next to score was replacement flanker Anna Holden, who collected a ball in support and dived for the line. Another conversion from Hacker took Olney clear of Shelford. More was to follow as flanker Sarah Larner burst through in typical style to keep Olney going forward. This time it was second row Marieke Vink who went over to put Olney 36-7 ahead of the home side.
Shelford had one last shout however and worked quickly to take advantage of a few sloppy penalties. Quick hands and a burst from their winger took her clear to leave the game 35-12 in Olney’s favour.
Olney face Old Leams at home next week to hopefully continue their unbeaten league campaign. Olney Ladies v Loughborough
Sunday 14 October WON 12-7
In relentless sun, Olney ladies faced Loughborough in this league fixture, who had put nearly 100 points on their opponents in their last game. Not being intimidated by this however, Olney as the home side started well with some bursting runs from prop Amanda Clarke and Lizzi Leetch punching holes in the defence. Loughborough proved strong however and did well to turn over possession a number of times. Strong running from their flankers and second row pushed Olney back to within their own 22. Good tackles from winger Mary Hardwick and Helen Hacker prevented damage and soon it was Olney’s line out.
Centre Maddy Bowley took charge and sneaked through a gap to blaze towards the line. Good support play saw the ball move within inches of the line but somehow Loughborough kept Olney out. A penalty was conceded and the hard work was undone. From the resulting lineout, Loughborough started to move forward with some excellent incursions but once again there was no points coming. The game ebbed and flowed and gradually Olney gained the upper hand and moved forward. From a loose ball, Kath Hardwick cleared up and sliced through on an angle, with a final burst ensuring Olney’s account was open. A conversion from fly half Aby Roberge moved Olney 7-0 ahead.
It wasn’t long before Loughborough replied with some excellent pressure at the break down. Turning over the ball, their fly half came in at pace and sprinted through a gap, feeding a support runner who touched down – a conversion bringing the scores level. Olney were wavering in the heat and soon after, conceded a penalty which Loughborough opted to kick – unsuccessfully.
The second half brought a refreshed Olney side and from the kick off, they were putting Loughborough under pressure. A great run from prop Kat Woods was supported by number 8 Sarah Larner, who crashed through two tacklers and sprinted over the line to give Olney another try. The remainder of the half followed in the same suit, as Olney kept quick ball flowing and some great moves took them up the pitch. A number of times, Loughborough were faster at the breakdown and turned over possession, but excellent drift defence from the back line paid off, and nothing came of it. As the game wore on, Olney kept the pressure on but couldn’t get over the line to convert this into points. A last ditch attempt by Loughborough to run round Olney came to nothing, and Olney finished the game narrowly on top. Olney Ladies v Stoneygate Ladies
Sunday 7 October
WON 19-12
Facing their first league fixture of the season, Olney Ladies were keen to get off the blocks well against the Leicester based Stoneygate Ladies. The game started frantically with both sides struggling to find their rhythm and despite some well worked space, Olney failed to capitalise early on by taking advantage of gaps in the line. Twins Helen Hacker and Kat Woods made their mark on the game in the opening phases with superb strong runs off the backs of the rucks. Olney were able to control possession well and a quick burst from centre Kerry James led Olney into Stoneygate’s 22. Now, Olney seemed to settle into their game and quick pops out of the tackle kept the ball alive. Excellent interlinking play from the forwards resulted in number 8 Maddy Bowley going over to score, with the conversion from fly half Aby Roberge. Olney stepped up their game from here and an excellent catch and drive from a lineout once again led them up the pitch. Prop Amanda Clarke led the charge, ably supported by Lizzi Leetch and hooker Anna Holden. Eventually it was Leetch who looped round and collected to burst over the line, leaving Olney 12 points clear at half time.
The second half was a much more physical affair as both teams worked on aggressive defence. Some excellent tackles by scrum half Kirsty Duncan and second row Tanya Cartmell halted the Stoneygate onslaught and it was unfortunate to see their discipline slip as Olney kept on the pressure. Some canny kicks from Stoneygate gave them yards and from a lineout their pack put in great strides to get within sniffing distance of the line. A few short bursts later, they were back in the game with a converted try.
Olney came back from the restart with an excellent collection from Bowley who gained possession and kept the pressure on. Great running from Woods and Hacker led Olney up the pitch and once again as Stoneygate’s discipline slipped, Olney gained momentum with quick penalties from scrum half Duncan. Stoneygate folded under the pressure and gaps appeared, Kath Hardwick slicing through at centre to touch down to put Olney 19-7 ahead.
Stoneygate came straight back and some excellent incursions from their number 8 and back line led them up pitch. A few silly penalties from Olney gave them more breathing space and with momentum building, despite Olney’s strong tackling the pink ladies gave way and Stoneygate’s number 9 went through to score. With no conversion, Olney were now only 7 points ahead.
The last 10 minutes of the game was a nervous and frantic effort from both sides as Olney attempted to batten down the hatches and Stoneygate mustered up all energy for a final burst. In a key scrum where Olney had been feeling the pressure, the pink ladies pack did a magnificent job at disruption, turning it 90 degrees and effectively turning the screw in Stoneygate’s game, leaving the final score 19-12.
Olney now face Loughborough next Sunday at home in a crunch match against the league leaders, who last week put 95 points past their opponents. Hat trick for Hardwick as Olney power through
Olney Ladies v Wimbledon Ladies Sunday 30 September WON 41-7 With Olney fielding only 14 players for much of the match, Wimbledon could be forgiven in thinking they would have the upper hand, but straight away Olney put this thought to bed, starting the game at high velocity.  With great running from the breakdowns by second row Lizzi Leetch and back row Rachel Duncan, Olney were quick to gain ground and it wasn't long before gaps appeared. Centre Kath Hardwick weaved through to start the scoring and this was soon followed by her centre partner, Kerry James, carving through the wimbledon back line to touch down.Olney kept the pressure on with some superb fast rucks to allow quick ball. Scrum half Kirsty Duncan was instrumental in ensuring a good flow of possession and created the spaces by feeding forward incursions. The next try came from just such a situation, as prop Amanda Clarke picked up the ball in support and crashed through three players to touch down. As yet, Wimbledon had no reply for Olney's pace and slicing runs. Kath Hardwick once again went through and James gained a brace with a sublime angled run seeing her clear.  After half time, Wimbledon had regrouped and as Olney tired, penalties came. PUshed back, some excellent tackling from new winger Valencia Lee ensured no damage, and aggressive rucking gave Olney turn over ball. This time, hooker Sarah Larner charged through the defence and gifted a pass to Rachel Duncan who charged over to score. Wimbledon brought on fresh legs and gained positivity which led them up pitch. A good dummy and run through from their fly half took them half way up the pitch, the danger snuffed out with a great cover tackle from Kellyann Davey. Olney were tiring however and before long, space was showing which the Wimbledon winger quickly exploited. Blazing through, the space was there and a sidestep outfoxed Olney. In reply, the pink ladies mustered up one last blast of energy and with a quick penalty take and space out wide, Kath Hardwick once again blasted over for her hat trick. With three conversions added by Helen Hacker, Olney were taken 41-7 ahead in a very satisfying game for the pink ladies. Olney face Stoneygate away next week, in their first league game. Olney Suffocated by Supermarines
Sunday 16 September
Lost 15-19 Olney ladies took on Supermarines in their first game of the season, opening the match with a huge crowd cheering them on. Supermarine started the stronger side and soon showed where their power was with immense running from their back row. Olney, going into the strong wind, took back some chances with powerful incursions from the ever reliable Helen Hacker, with Lizzi Leetch doing well in support. Olney's pack were kept moving by scrum half Kirsty Duncan, who controlled the forward play well. Supermarine soon took back possession and opened the scoring with a well worked move from a scrum, converting it to go 7-0 up. This shook Olney into shape and from the restart the home side seemed to gel more effectively. A good burst up pitch from prop Claire Batty got Olney on the move and it wasn't long before the pink ladies were threatening for the line. A superb strong angled run from centre Maddy Bowley saw Olney open their account. Supermarine replied in good form with another try, taking them 14-5 ahead but once again, the game ebbed and flowed and this time it was fly half Aby Roberge who went over from Olney from a penalty move. The second half brought renewed vigour to the Olney pack as they started to dominate line outs, with Terri Denham and new player Marieke Vinke winning opposition ball. A great shove took Olney up the pitch but a fumbled pass gave Supermarine the chance to run another try in, taking them 19-10 ahead. Olney once again worked hard to gain ground, with Kellyann Davey making good ground. Lou Osborne at full back got positioning spot on and made some excellent incursions to keep Olney going forward. It was Helen Hacker who crashed over to score and bring Olney within sniffing distance of a win. For the last 20 minutes, Olney were camped in Supermarines 22 but despite good running and strong challenges, their defence was superb and absolutely rock solid - there was no way through. The game finished in good spirit at 19-15 with many promising positives coming out ahead of Olney's first league challenges coming up. |
Olney gave OL's chances to keep ahead with knock ons, but in the scrums the pack asserted their authority, hooker Anna Holden winning ball against the head and the OL's forwards feeling the pressure. Great work from fly half Lizzy Holbourne kept the ball moving and some good strong running from flanker Helen Hacker took Olney up the pitch. Full back Kellyann Davey was the next to go over, straightening the lines with a good run and touching down, the try converted by HAcker.