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1st Team 2006-7 Match ReportsOLNEY CRASH OUT OF BUCKS CUP
Saturday 21 April
After a fantastic display in the Lewis Shield on Wednesday Olney were confident in overturning High Wycombe in the Bucks Cup this Saturday. However with most of the team on tour in South Africa it was always going to be a tough fixture.
Wycombe started well with strong running in their back line and it was only the superb defence from Olney that kept them out. However, it was Olney that opened the scoring against the run of play. Dave Smith at fly half produced a perfectly weighted cross-field kick outside the 22 for Rory Duncan to gather in the air and go over for a try to take the score to 5-0.
Wycombe took the ball to Olney from the restart and were awarded a penalty to take the score back to 5-3. From this Olney seemed to start to play and it was Gareth Cahill returning to the team who led the charge. Despite the Olney scrum going backwards he took the ball on and made great inroads. Olney fans were sure we went over for a try for the referee to decide it was held up. But once again Cahill picked up at the base of the scrum going backwards to power over to score to take it to 10-3.
It was Wycombe who had the final say on half time to take a penalty to make the score 10-6.
The second half started with Wycombe dominating the game and an excellent drive from their forwards saw them push Olney back to go over to take the lead at 13-10. It was this forwards play that once again gave Wycombe the next score. Olney’s pack were unable to hold them off and collapsed the scrum for Wycombe to be awarded a penalty try, leaving them 10 points clear at 20-10.
Olney’s backs did fight back - excellent running from the centre combination of Ben Pry and Reece Peakman put pressure on Wycombe but Olney still couldn’t get through. It made a difference when Duncan Taylor came on as he dictated the game and created gaps for the rest of the backs. Rory Duncan made a superb break and was almost through but popped the ball to Reece Peakman to power over to take the score 25-17.
It looked as though 5 minutes later we were going to snatch the game when the backs once again had a three man overlap but rather than pass out kept the ball in to be turned over. In conclusion an excellent battle against a team a division above but the supporters can’t help but think ‘what could have been’. Olney Secure Lewis Shield Triumph
The calm weather and gentle breeze of a spring evening provided a great contrast to a fiercely played Lewis Shield Final yesterday at Franklins Gardens (18 April) between Bugbrooke and Olney as both sides fought passionately for the chance to lift the prestigious Northants Alliance trophy.
With the motivation of it being 10 years since they won the Lewis Shield, Olney began the stronger side with a great rolling maul driving back Bugbrooke’s impressive pack. Good early attacking runs up the wing from Will Edwards exposed some of Bugbrooke’s weaker spots but cover tackles prevented any early scores.
 It was in the scrum that Bugbrooke came into their own; their hefty front row provided a real challenge and numerous times throughout the game, Olney were driven back or spun round to their detriment. A skewed clearance kick from Bugbrooke gave Olney some real impetuous but a chip over fell into the defending side’s hands to deny a score. However, the supporters didn’t have long to wait as Olney began a counter attack using the pace and incision of their back line. Great passing out of the tackle area kept the ball alive and it was Edwards, coming over from the opposite wing to support a back line move, who opened Olney’s account. Adam Wells provided the conversion to put Olney 7 points clear.
From the restart, Bugbrooke’s game plan became clear as they used their pack to maul up field and burst through from the breakdown. Clearly this was where their strength was but flanker Tom Stanton stopped the attack with an excellently read tackle and it was turnover ball. Possession changed hands often as players kept a top notch pace and put immense pressure on at breakdowns. Olney’s hooker in particular, Adam Kelsall, was superb in aggressive defence and forced a penalty from Bugbrooke, which started another attack.
Scrum half Adam Wells sniped through the back line and Olney’s supporters were sure of another score until a penalty was given to Bugbrooke for crossing. Another skewed kick gave Olney the chance of counter attack and it was Rhys Peakman who started things with a superbly angled run taking Olney back up the pitch. Once again however, possession wasn’t maintained and a good run from the Bugbrooke centre took them deep into Olney’s territory. Bugbrooke’s large pack kept momentum going with some good strong running at the breakdown, taking them to within sniffing distance of the line. The pressure wasn’t converted into points however, as Olney’s defence held up.
Half time – Olney 7-0
Bugbrooke didn’t miss their chance to score when it next came along however, taking a quick tap penalty in Olney’s 22 and using the power of their pack to drive Olney backwards. There was no stopping the onslaught and their captain did well to drive over to score. No conversion meant they still trailed by 5 points.
It was Bugbrooke’s Badger mascot who was next on the receiving end of Olney’s play, Rhys Peakman ‘baiting’ with a clearance kick to hit the poor creature bang on the nose. A penalty from an ensuing scrum was taken quickly by George Stanton who powered up the pitch but once again, turnover ball saw Bugbrooke with ball in hand. A series of penalties against Olney took Bugbrooke up the pitch and to 10 yards out, with a real threat of scoring. However a collapse of the maul saw Olney awarded a penalty that Peakman neatly put into touch, this time missing the Badger.
A great drive from the lineout and chip through put Bugbrooke under pressure and a penalty was awarded to Olney. Wells stepped up again and what was seemingly a missed kick was awarded by the touch judges, to everyone’s bemusement, to take Olney 20-5 clear.
Congratulations to all of the team for a superb result! WEDS 11TH APRIL - LEWIS SHIELD
OLNEY THROUGH TO LEWIS SHIELD FINAL
OLNEY 22 DAVENTRY 8
Olney took on Daventry at home on Wednesday evening for a place in the Lewis Shield Final. Olney started of well from the kick off and great recycling of the ball led to Reece Peakman powering over to score under the posts in the opening minutes. This was converted by Adam Wells to take the score to 7-0. The rest of the half was evenly matched it was only the defence of Olney that kept Daventry out. At time both sides looked as though they were through to score to be held up just short.
Captain Charlie Belcher rallied Olney and put in some huge hits to keep Daventry at bay. As usual Matthew Kelso ran around the park chasing everything and tackling anything in his way. Raana Peakman kept Daventry out with some cleaver clearance kicks taking the ball deep into Daventry’s half. However, eventually pressure from Daventry paid off after an earlier missed kick, Daventry slotted a penalty to take it to 7-3.
The second half started brightly for Olney and a dropped ball by Daventry was exposed by Olney. Ben Pry scooped the ball up and ran half the length of the pitch to go under the posts. This was once again converted by Wells to take the score to 12-3.
It was Wells that had a hand in the next score, after a period of pressure from the forwards Wells did a cleaver box kick to expose the space behind Daventry. This kick was followed by Kelso who put in a huge tackle on Daventry’s full back. This caused him to drop the ball which was picked up by Reece to go under the posts to take the score 17-3. Once again wells converted to make it 19-3.
From this Olney had passion in their game and chased every ball Simon Christian leading the forward charge. Excellent defence from both wings Mark Chaplin and Will Edwards kept Daventry out. It was indiscipline from Daventry that gave Olney their next points, they were awarded a penalty and due to arguing not only did Daventry lose another 10 yards but they lost a player to the sin bin. Adam wells stepping up to take the penalty to take the score to 22-3.
Daventry were awarded for all their hard work at the end and their forwards took the credit for an excellent drive to go over the line to take the final score to 22-8.
Bring on the final! WEDS 4TH APRIL - LEWIS SHIELD
OLNEY BEAT ON'S TO SECURE PLACE IN SEMI-FINAL
OLNEY 15 OLD NORTHAMPTONIANS 12
Olney took on ONs on Wednesday for what Olney thought would be a place in the Lewis shield final. However, Olney were actually battling for a place in the semi-final.
ONs started well and excellent running from the backs put pressure on Olney. It was Olney that took the first points from a catch and drive in the line out and the ball shipped out to Reece Peakman to burst through to take the score 5-0.
From this all pressure was from ONs and they put in excellent tackles to put the Olney backs on the back foot. It was ONs that took the next points after good hands in the backs they scored to take it to 5-5. It was ONs who made the next pressure and their scrum dominated. ONs were close to going over 5 metres out but due excellent defence from Olney were held out. But Olney did lose Raana Peakman to the sin bin as a result.
Olney managed to get out of their 22 and a kick over from Scott Fuller took Olney into ONs half. This was well followed by Scott who put in a huge tackle on ONs fullback. However, this spurred on ONs to take the ball to Olney and it was cleaver kicking by Raana Peakman that kept us in the game. It was ONs that lost two players to the sin bin next in close succession. But Olney failed to take advantage of the two man overlap. The closest they came was from a scrum but it was deemed that Charlie Belcher had been held up over the line.
The second half started well for ONs after missing a penalty they went for a scrum and managed to push over for a try which was converted to take the score 12-5.
It continued to be all pressure from ONs and kicking into their 22 kept Olney in the game. However, the luck was to be with Olney, Will Edwards made an excellent charge down to regather the ball to go under the posts. This was converted by Adam Wells to even the score at 12-12.
ONs had another chance to take the score ahead but missed another penalty. From this Olney took the pressure to ONs and several times were held up over the line. But it was Olney discipline that cost them dearly as they were taken from 5 metres out to back 30 yards to waste another good opportunity.
The game ended with a period of pressure from Olney that cost ONs, indiscipline as a penalty was awarded against them. Adam wells had no hesitation in taking this and stepped up to take the score to 15-12.
A very tense match enjoyed by all that watched it. Olney take on Daventry in the next semi final this Wednesday 11th at home.
SAT 31ST MARCH
OLNEY DOWN SWANS IN LOCAL DERBY
OLNEY 20 BUCKINGHAM 0
Olney overcame local rivals Buckingham in a keenly fought contest this Saturday. Olney started poorly and turned out one of the worst first half performances of the season. Whether, this was due to the weather or fatigue of the players. But many missed tackles and poor decision making were the main causes of errors. The backs seemed to get little ball in the first half and were unable to make any ground when they did. They seemed to be unable to use the wind to advantage.
Olney flanker Stuart Lawrence came off with 15 minutes gone due to blood and was replaced by Steven Howkins.
Olney dominated the scrums early and on 24 minutes were pressing in Olney’s 22 and Ross Stewart picked up at the back of the scrum but received little support. Olney were penalised and this allowed Buckingham to clear the lines.
With so many handling errors Raana Peakman decided to have a go at a drop goal and this cleanly sailed through the posts to take the score 3-0. After this it was all Buckingham and Olney failed to gain any possession with the line out particularly weak.
The second half Olney started to play better and the pack seemed to be taking the ball back into Buckingham strong running from Mark Lay and Stuart Lawrence leading the charge. The first try came on the 50th minute for Olney after a series of quick ball in the forwards and great driving the ball was popped for scrum half Dave Terry who passed to Dave Smith who powered over. He duly converted to make the score 10-0.
A second try came five minutes later after another period of pressure and a long ball floated out to Reece Peakman to go over to take the score to 15-0. Buckingham fought back well and put Olney scrum under intense pressure it was down to Matthew Boddy to take several against the head.
A nasty injury to the Buckingham captain disrupted play as an ambulance was called. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
We finally started again and the last phase of play saw pressure from the Olney Forwards for Olly Brackenbury to go over to take the final score to 20-0.
SAT 24TH MARCH
OLNEY THROUGH TO THE NEXT ROUND OF BUCKS CUP
AYLESBURY 17 OLNEY 27
Olney took on Aylesbury in the Bucks Cup on Saturday. With Aylesbury a division above we knew this was always going to be a tough fixture. Olney started off well and straight away we started off with an excellent break from the forwards and a try for Will Edwards this was converted by Dave Smith for us to go 7-0 up.
From this Aylesbury took the ball back to Olney and took the ball back to us for them to score in the corner to take the score 5-7. from the restart it was all pressure from Aylesbury again and they went over again to take the score 12-7.
From this the Olney backs tried to get through the Aylesbury defence Reece Peakman making some excellent breaks only for the last pass to go astray. We had a line out 5 metres out and looked as though we were going to score in the forwards but this was shipped out to the backs and we were held up over the line. From the scrum we dropped the ball and gave Aylesbury the chance to kick the ball away.
It was Olney who had the next chance and an excellent break in the backs led to further opportunities for Olney. Stuart Lawrence offered excellent support and made a good break and then shipped out the ball to Will who once again scored and this was converted by Dave to make the score 14-12.
The second half started with all play from Olney and we seemed to want the game more. Aylesbury did try and take the ball to us but excellent tackling from Matt Boddy, Paul Dowsett and Charlie Belcher kept them out of the game. Dave Smith very coolly stepped up and slotted in a drop goal to take the score to 17-12.
From this tempers strayed and often small fights broke out with ruined the game and Aylesbury lost their first player to a yellow card. Having the player advantage we used this well and piled on the pressure. We were awared a penalty and Dave Smith took this to make the score 20-12.
The luck was definitely with Olney as their backs did try to run at us for all ball to go astray. This was gathered by Reece Peakman who went to run 50 metres to score under the posts the score then taken to 27-12.
The game after this we could clearly see Aylesbury were frustrated and lost their discipline. This ruined the last 10 minutes of the game and the flowing rugby ended once another Aylesbury player was sent off and we also lost one of our players to a yellow card.
All in all a great Olney performance - bring on the Semi-Final! TUES 20TH MARCH - LEWIS SHIELD
YOUNGER YOUNGSTERS DOMINATE TOWCESTER
TOWCESTER 8 OLNEY 42
Olney took on Towcester in the Lewis Shield on a very cold Tuesday evening. With many of the first team not eligible we fielded a team that was a mixture of all three senior teams and younger players. We started as we meant to carry on with the forwards completely dominating Towcester‘s pack and pushing them off the ball at every opportunity. But it was Towcester backs that initially looked dangerous making excellent ground up the pitch but they were unable to convert this territory to points. It was the youngster Duncan Taylor who started the Olney offensive with a great interception and he beat three players and we thought this was to score. But he was held up just short and when they were penalised he coolly stepped up to make it 3-0.From the restart Olney took the ball back to them and great hands in the backs from Reece and Raana Peakman led us deep into their 22. We were almost over in the corner for us to be pushed into touch. However, from the line out we pressured and charged down a kick. This led to prop George Stanton charging over for a try to take the score to 8-0.
This gave the Olney team the confidence they needed and it seemed every player wanted to run with the ball in hand we even saw prop Dean Henrickson have a rumble up the pitch to be dumped by two players. It was once again Duncan who created the next points as he ran through Towcester’s backs as if nobody was there, to unselfishly off load to flanker Charlie Tompkins on his shoulder to go under the posts to make the score 13-0, Duncan converting to make it 15-0.
Towcester seemed to come back at us hard and their backs seemed even more determined to get points. Excellent tackling by my man of the match Adam Wells and Duncan kept them out of the game. But they were awarded a penalty and took this to take the score to 15-3.
But it was Olney who had the last say of the half from great hands in the backs for Reece to go over in the corner to take the score to 20-3 at half time.
All the supporters quickly rushed in the clubhouse at half time to desperately warm up as it was getting to Baltic conditions. The second half we once again dominated in the forwards and within a short period of time had a scrum 5 metres out. We won the ball and then Adam Wells did a cheeky show to outfox Towcesters back line to go over unchallenged to take the score to 25 -3 with Duncan once again converting to take it to 27-3. It was Adam who once again had a hand in the next try as he made an excellent break to off load to Barry Woodsford to go over in the corner to take it to 32-3.
Towcester pressure finally resulted in points from the restart and they took back a well deserved consolation try to take it to 32-8.
From here it was all Olney and as the game was won substitutes were brought on and it was Ross Keenan who went over next to take the score to 37-8.
The final play of the game saw the Olney scrum once again dominate for a second try for Charlie Tompkins to take the final score to 42-8.
SAT 10TH MARCH
OLNEY COME OUT ON TOP IN LOCAL DERBY
MILTON KEYNES 15 OLNEY 17
Olney took on Milton Keynes this Saturday in a re-arranged league fixture. The boys were confident as we had beat them earlier in the season at home. It started as though this was going to be an easy fixture for Olney and straight away captain Dave Smith on the wing put Reece Peakman away for a try which was converted by Duncan Taylor to make the score 7-0. The forwards started well with back row combination of Charlie Belcher, Jarleth McElroy and Ian Bennett working well in the loose and making crunching tackles.
However from this it was all pressure from Milton Keynes and we were on the back foot. It was only dropped balls that let us off for so long. But their hard work was rewarded and they were given a penalty 5 metres out and took this quickly to go 7-7.
Some strong running in the backs from Reece and Raana Peakman and Ben Pry kept us in the game and we were rewarded for this by getting a penalty to go 10-7. Our forwards played well and Mark Lay and Steve Harrison offered options in loose play for the backs.
However the half was to end 10-7.
Milton Keynes continued from the restart to pile on the pressure and ran hard at Olney. But another dropped ball in their backs led to a kick through from Raana Peakman his brother Reece gathering well to go under the posts this was once again converted by Duncan Taylor to make the score 17-10.
From this it was all defence by Olney with Milton Keynes determined to take the ball back. Our defence once again solid and Mark Lay working hard at breakdowns to win the ball back for Olney. Duncan Taylor often seeming effortless in covering any gaps and disrupting their ball. This led to lots of chances wasted by Milton Keynes who often failed to see they had the overlap but rather ran at our strong pack. They did have the last say of the game going over eventually in the corner to take the final score 17-15 to Olney.
Not the most polished of our performances but defence was excellent. You have to feel that if I was Milton Keynes I would be gutted at far too many wasted opportunities.
SAT 24TH FEBRUARY
OLNEY IMPRESSIVE IN BIG WIN SUPERMARINE 0 OLNEY 76
Olney travelled to Swindon to play basement side Supermarine and came back with an impressive 76-0 win. Olney started the game with a big pack containing a good mixture of youth and experience. The size of the pack paid dividends within the first few minutes as Olney drove a maul 30 yards up field enabling scrum half Dave Terry to break blind and score in the corner. Young fly half Duncan Taylor converting superbly from the touchline. Another massive drive from the Olney pack minutes later was again rewarded with a try, this time prop Dean Henrickson being driven over to claim the score, again superbly converted from the other touchline by Taylor. Olney started to throw the ball about a bit more and after 10 minutes, Rhys Peakman cut back inside and ran untouched from 30 metres to score under the posts, duly converted by Taylor. Olney then seemed to ease off a little and wasted several decent scoring chances until after 25 minutes, good support play from hooker Matthew Boddy saw him over the whitewash for a 5 pointer. Minutes later, Will Edwards finished off a superb backs move with another try, Taylor back on target with the conversion. Olney were now back in the groove and Dave Terry finished off another spell of pressure near the Supermarine line with his second try of the day, Taylor unable to convert. The half was brought to a finish with captain Dave ‘Chappy’ Smith finishing off more good work from the backs with a score in the corner which Taylor again superbly converted. 45-0 to Olney at the turnaround.
SAT 17TH FEBRUARY
OLNEY FIGHT BACK TO DRAW GAME OLNEY 20 WITNEY 20
Olney took on Witney at home this Saturday. Witney currently second in the table were always going to give our boys a hard game. Indeed it started very hard and Witney taking the ball to us in the backs running. Within the first five minutes they kicked deep into our 22 to gain a line out 5 metres out. They decided to opt for a catch and drive and it was due to excellent defence in particular George Stanton and Mark Lay that kept them out. However, they were to be awarded a penalty straight away, luckily for us they missed.
From this our backs took the ball back to them interlinking well with back row combination of Ian Bennett, Stuart Lawrence and Jarleth McElroy. A well place kick through was gathered by Will Edwards to score in the corner to make the score 5-0 to us. From this Olney seemed to gain confidence and the back row were once again dominant in stealing the ball in the rock situations. However, it was Witney who gained the next points to even the score at 5-5. However, most of the supporters missed this as they were watching an incident of the four team pitch – say no more but the game was abandoned.
From the kick off Olney were determined to regather however, Matthew Boddy got carried away and tackled the man without the ball to spend 10 minutes off the pitch. This led to Tom Salisbury making an appearance in the front row. Steve Harrison had a consistent game as usual and worked hard in the break downs and kept up with play. Olly Caplin worked hard and was often dominating his opposite number and put the opposition scrum half under pressure. We looked as if we were to score after excellent running from centre combination of Ben Pry and Reece Peakman but this was dropped on the wing. However, before long Witney were awarded a penalty to take the half time score 8-5.
The second half Witney started with vigour and excellent hands in their backs led to a try early on to take the score 13-5. We did start to come back with a penalty to take the score within distance 13-8. However, it was Witney who once again gained the next points after a kick to touch was charged down and an easy score for Witney to make the score 18-8 this was duly converted to make the score 20-8. At this point the supporters were beginning to think this was the end for Olney. But this was not to be the case led by Mark Lay in the forwards we took the ball back to them. We capitalised on our excellent back line and hard running from both Reece and Ranna Peakman led to gaps being created. But it was the forwards who had the next say and from a penalty we kicked an excellent ball in the corner. This led to a catch and drive in the forwards and a try for Olney to take us back to 20-13.
We were then convinced time was running out and the referee was bound to blow his whistle but for once the luck was with us and we kept attacking their line. We went over once for the referee to declare this held up. From the five metre scrum the forwards pushed over for a try for Ian Bennett. We held our nerve to convert this to make the final score 20-20
SAT 3RD FEBRUARY
OLNEY PUT UP A POOR DISPLAY IN LOCAL DERBY BLETCHLEY 11 OLNEY 5
Olney travelled to Bletchley on a fine spring day with high hopes of winning this local derby as we had beaten them earlier in the season. However with key players unavailable, it was always going to be a difficult game. We started the game in the same vein that the rest of the game continued. It seemed for most of the game the Olney players were asleep and we watched the game rather than taking part. Bletchley immediately dominated in the forwards and used the driving maul to great success and we had no answer. Within ten minutes they used this to their advantage and their forwards took then over for a try from a driven line out. They failed to convert this but were given a penalty a few minutes later to go 8-0 ahead.
When we got the balls in the backs were looked dangerous and there was excellent running from Reece Peakman and Will Edwards to threaten their backs. But we seemed unable to convert this into points or decided to kick the ball back over to them. After this we lost another player in the backs and flanker Mark Watts had to come in at centre and to his credit he had an excellent game. When he was given the ball he just ran hard and recycled the ball well.
We looked as though we were back in the game with a few minutes to half time with Will Edwards going over but for some reason not known to the supporters the try was disallowed.
The second half started as in the same way as the first. We seemed to have the majority of the possession but could not turn this into points or would kick the ball away. Some positives to draw were that Raana Peakman had an excellent game standing in a scrum half and often put his opposite number under great pressure. A new player for the first team Fuller at full back also had an excellent game running very hard at the Bletchley backs.
The forwards did work hard and Matthew Boddy and Paul Dowsett put in hard work in the scrummaging against a much larger front row. Dean Henrickson also made an impact when he came on from the bench. However we gave away another penalty and they kicked this to go ahead 11-0.
We were then unlucky to lose Stuart Howkins to injury, which meant more change in the pack. He had won some good line out ball and it was a shame to lose him. We did get one consolation try towards the end after a good scrum from our forwards and a well-deserved try for Raana Peakman.
The game ended with those travelling supporters left wondering if they had been better off staying in Olney watching the England game.
SAT 27TH JANUARY
GREAT HOME VICTORY FOR OLNEY
OLNEY 25 CHIPPING NORTON 0
With a presentation lunch for the Club Mark award there were more than usual supporters for this home game. The team were keen to put on a good display for the large crowd at the game. When we travelled to Chipping Norton it was probably one of the worst displays this season so we were keen to rectify this.
We started strong from the kick off and a superb break by Matthew Boddy down the blind side who then popped to Will Edwards. The ball was kicked through but we just failed in the chase to touch down. The determination carried on with some great interlinking play from the back row combination of Charlie Belcher, Stuart Lawrence and Ian Bennett kept the ball alive. They supported the backs well and strong running from man of the match Rhys Peakman and quick hands led to a try in the corner for Chris Jarvis to take the score 5-0.
We were let off soon after this when Chipping Norton failed to use their overlap and we managed to take their winger into touch. Strong tackling from scrum half Olly Caplin kept Chipping Norton out of the game and soon we were taking the ball back to them. In particular Ben Pry in the back line ran some good angles to create space. We had another opportunity soon after this with a line out in their 22 but this unusually failed to hit the man and we let them off once again.
Just before half time we scored once again with great pressure from the backs and speedy running from Will Edwards to go over in the corner and take the half time score to 10-0.
The second half started well with strong running from Ian Bennett often taking three players to stop him running. We looked like we were to concede a point when they were awarded a penalty 5 metres out but excellent defence in particular Paul Dowsett and Mark Lay kept them out. Raana Peakman then put in a huge kick to get us out of danger. Shortly after this Chipping Norton lost their first of three players to the sin bin. With an automatic overlap we took it to them in the backs and Will Edwards went over for his second try to make the score 15-0.
In the forwards we began to show our dominance and in particular we destroyed them in the scrums pushing them off the ball. George Stanton worked hard in the set pieces and dominated his opposite man and Matthew Boddy took several against the head.
A penalty awarded 5 metres out and we elected to scrummage. Our forwards dominated and led to the second yellow card for Chipping Norton and a penalty try for us making the score 20-0. Another player also went off for shouting abuse at the Referee.
Out of character sloppy play and an intercepted pass almost let them through. It was only a superb chase back and tap tackle from Rhys that saved the score line.
Olney had the last words of the game and once again strong running in the backs let Will Edwards through for his hat trick to make the final score 25-0.
SAT 20TH JANUARY
OLNEY THROW THE GAME AWAY
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 15 OLNEY 14
In terrible windy conditions Olney travelled to Amersham and Chiltern this Saturday with high hopes of a win over league leaders. Playing with the wind behind us in the first half we never really took full advantage of the conditions. We started ofF brightly with Charlie Belcher returning from injury to take many of the opposition line-outs. It was great to see Charlie back playing and he made a difference in the game often making those first up tackles. With additions in our back line we had confidence in shipping the ball out wide and when the backs got the ball they looked dangerous. However, this was never going to be a fast running game and Amersham kept the ball in their strong forwards where they dominated. However, all our hard work did play off at 20 minutes a clean catch in our backs led to Will Edwards pace down the wing great support play from Mark Lay linked up and he could have powered over himself but unselfishly popped the ball to Rhys Peakman who went under the posts to open the scoring. Rhys then converting his own try to take the score to 7-0.
The rest of the half continued with hard work in the forwards and excellent support play from Mark Lay, Stuart Lawrence and Matthew Boddy kept our team in the game. A quick tap penalty taken from Ranna Peakman almost led us through for a second score and the ball was shipped out to Will Edwards who kicked for territory. We then spent the next 10 minutes camped in their half a penalty awarded and we elected for a line out. A great take from Charlie at the front and the ball was kept tight in the forwards. However, when it looked like nothing was on it was shipped out to the backs only for the ball to be dropped and a try scoring opportunity wasted.
The second half started well and once again our off loading in contact and support play worked. Once again great work between Rhys, Ranna and Will Edwards led to the second try for Rhys which he converted to take the score 14-0 on 50 minutes.
This was to be the last time we really had our hands on the ball and Amersham just played the elements kicking the ball deep into our 22. We spend the rest of the game defending. The first of their scores was from a knock on by them at the base of the ruck. This angered the few travelling supporters as it was in front of the referee yet I think he was always going to let them score.
With the scrum going backwards we were always struggling when defending. In that mud and their obvious weight advantage there was little we could do to defend against it. Matthew Boddy did take two against the head only for them to push us of the ball.
They use this obvious strength well and went over again in the corner to take the score back to 14-10. We were hoping to hold out to win this game but it was never to be and they went over again with 5 minutes to go to take the final score 14-15. We did produce an attack from the restart but it was too late to make a difference.
I think all the players were disappointed as this was definitely a game we could have won and is not often we are in that position at Amersham.
SAT 16TH DECEMBER
OLNEY FINISH OFF THE YEAR WITH A WIN
OLNEY 15 TADLEY 5
Olney took on Tadley at home this week and were keen to win the game as they felt they should have won the other fixture. The visitors started off well with some great work in their backs. Twice they were almost through to score and great defensive work from Raana Peakman and Olly Caplin saved Olney from going down early on. They were awarded a penalty early on and elected to kick for the ball to go wide.
From this it seemed to be the motivation we needed and we started to take the ball back to them. Strong running from Reece Peakman took the ball deep into their 22 and great recycling of the ball from the forwards in particular Mark Lay and Stuart Lawrence kept the ball alive. This was shipped out quickly to the backs for Will Edwards to go over in the corner to make it 5-0.
From the restart we gathered the ball well and started playing rugby in there half. Olney’s set piece worked well yesterday and we dominated both in the scrums and lineouts. For once not one ball in the line out went astray and Matthew Boddy had an excellent game covering the field like a back row forward often being first to the breakdowns. Excellent kicking from Raana took the ball deep into there half and our backs were able to pressure the opposite man. This play led to the second Olney try after we chased up the ball and great turnover won from the forwards the ball was shipped out for Dave Smith to go over to make the score 10-0.
Very soon after this Olly Caplin was almost through after taking a kick tap penalty he ran through half of Tadley back line and then the ball was shipped out wide and Raana was held up over the line. A scrum awarded and great hands in the backs between Reece and Ben Pry led to Will Edwards going over for his second try to make the half time score 15-0.
The second half Tadley were very determined to win the game and some excellent breaks from their winger kept them in the game. We only had one real try scoring opportunity in this half after an excellent break from Olly Brakenboro but the offload didn’t quite go to hand.
The rest of the half was all Tadley pressure and great tackling from Reece, Gareth Cahill and Paul Dowsett kept them out. A well-deserved try from their number 8 was the reward for all the hard work they had put in. This however, was too late for them to get back in the game making the final score 15-5 to Olney.
SAT 2ND DECEMBER
NEW KIWIS MAKE INSTANT IMPRESSION
OLNEY 22 BUCKINGHAM 16
Olney travelled away to Buckingham this Saturday and I had the pleasure of driving the Silver Fox, Spider and the Old Crow over to the game. We stopped off to meet with the Pigman on the way there in a local bar. All talk pre-match was how the clubs two new signings would shape up as they had only just arrived in England on Wednesday.
Eventually we made it to Buckingham in time for one last drink before kick off. We were also looking forward to the battle in the back rows as an ex- Olney player has moved to Buckingham after leaving us as we wouldn’t pay him.
The game didn’t get the best of starts with the kick off failing to go 10 however, with the return of Matthew Body in the front row we set out our challenge early and he took the ball against the head. However within a minute we were penalised for holding on and Buckingham stepped up and their kicker put them 3-0 ahead. This was to be the pattern for the first twenty minutes and Olney seemed to be asleep we were penalised on the 5 minute and they went 6-0 up. We then missed an excellent try scoring opportunity missing our player in the line out from 5 metres out. We managed to recycle the ball and drove it on the forwards for the ball to be pushed over the dead ball line. Not as bad as it may seem as the pitch was in such a state it was very difficult to see which line was which.
From the restart we started to get back into the game and it was great to see Will Edwards back playing. He put a huge hit on his opposite number all be it slightly late and a penalty was awarded. We were let off and their kicker missed. Buckingham were nearly through shortly after this and Olly Caplin had to put in a huge tackle to save a try scoring opportunity. But we were penalised for diving over and Buckingham went to a 9-0 lead.
From this Olney finally got the boost they needed and started to work hard in particular Gareth Cahill and Stuart Lawrence in the back row stealing a lot of ball in the break downs. We kicked for possession and pressured the Buckingham backs this led to them giving away and penalty and we kicked for the corner. This time we hit our man in the line out and an excellent catch and drive followed the ball was shipped out to the backs and Will Edwards ran an excellent angle and we thought he was through for a try to be stopped just before the line. The ball was recycled quickly and passed out to new player Rhys Peakman who went over to score the first of his tries. This was converted by Edwards to take the score 7-9.
This try seemed to give the players the confidence they needed and everyone stepped up a gear. The great combination of the two brothers Rhys and Raana Peakman seemed to inspire our backs who were finally running on to the ball and taking it at pace. The two brothers clearly have that Kiwi skill of trying anything and good recycling of the ball which suited the way our forwards seem to play. Stuart Lawrence intercepted a lovely pass from the Buckingham player and ran 20 metres unchallenged to then pop this off to Will Edwards and with Rhys on his shoulder this was passed out for his second try in the corner to make the score 12-9 on half time.
The second half started with changes in the backs and Will Edwards moved to scrum half and Rory Duncan came on at 13. They started well with a good kick off and after sustained pressure from their backs they went over for a try to take the lead again at 16-12.
Buckingham continued to pressure us kicking the ball into our 22 and a great catch from Raana secured the ball. Normally this would have led to us kicking for touch but Raana took the ball on his own and beat two players before shipping the ball to Rhys who then took the ball up the pitch.
We looked like we were through for a try shortly after this when Rhys kicked through and the ball was well gathered by Raana to then pop the ball to Rory who was taken into touch. However, from the line out we pressured Buckingham and Gareth Cahill once again stole the ball in loose play this was shipped out wide for Rhys to complete his hat trick to make the score 17-16.
From the restart we continued this pressure and kicked the ball into their 22 from the start. The Pigman had decided to relive himself after too much Pig juice and heard the entire crowd cheering and turned around exposing his curly tail to the crowd – all I can say is I feel sorry for Diane. We attempted to go from a drop goal for this to go just wide. From the kick the ball was caught well by Stuart Howkins and the ball was taken back to them. A mistake by them led to a scrum 5 metres out. We dominated this scrum and Will Edwards went blind and scored for the referee to decide the ball was held up.
Buckingham regathered and kicked the ball deep into our 22. This was once again gathered by Raana who kicked it back and then chased his own kick. Our forwards chased this up and foolishly Buckingham opted for a kick line out and our forwards turned this over. This led for the ball to be shipped out to Raana who went over for a well deserved try to make the final score 22 -16.
SAT 25TH NOVEMBER
OLNEY WIN THROUGH IN TOUGH CONDITIONS OLNEY 8 BEACONSFIELD 0
The weather this Saturday was never going to help play but in some way this played to Olney’s strengths. The bad wind and rain stopped a free flowing game on either side. From the start of the game Olney dominated in the forwards and excellent work from prop George Stanton knocked Beaconsfield off their own ball in the scrums. The first half started with good support play from the front eight in particular Gareth Cahill and Mark Lay making ground every time they had the ball in hand. The first half we had 80% of all possession but could not turn this into points. Once again the Olney lineout struggling to find their man and many wasted opportunities. In particular a line out 5 metres out on 20 minutes, which should have been a try scoring opportunity, and once again the ball missed our man. Our backs made mistakes on Saturday and at one point this nearly cost us dearly a dropped ball let the Beaconsfield centre kick through it was only excellent covering from Ollie Caplin at scrum half that saved a try scoring opportunity. The first half ended 0-0 which was no reflection on the game as we failed on many occasions to finish off moves.The second half we used the wind to our advantage and a lot more kicking for territory was done to great advantage. We almost scored within the first few minutes with a kick through from us but Rory Duncan was unable to gather the ball and Beaconsfield regained possession.
Shortly after this we were awarded a penalty and went 3-0 ahead. From the restart we took a clean catch from Charlie Tompkins who had replaced George Stanton. He was hit hard but did not lose possession and managed to recycle the ball. The ball was once again taken in the forwards to gain some territory and our driving mauls successfully drew in their players. We were let off once again shortly after this when a kick failed to make touch and they ran back at us. Luckily for us they dropped the ball 5 metres out to let us off. From this possession was all Olney and our forwards took the ball back to them with Man of the match Mark Lay leading the way. On the 65 minutes we had a penalty 5 metres out and elected for a scrum this was the right decision and our forwards powered over for Ollie Caplin to score to make it 8-0.
For the last 15 minutes Beaconsfield came back at us determined to fight back and excellent tackles from Paul Dowsett, Stuart Howkins and Dave Smith stopped the onslaught and often took them into touch. Some strange decisions from the referee towards the end in particular the sin binning of Paul Dowsett did little to quieten the usual suspects from the East Stand. But we held on for the victory and a well deserved one at that.
SAT 4TH NOVEMBER
OLNEY LOSE TO AMERSHAM & CHILTERN
OLNEY 6 AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 17
Olney took on top of the table Amersham and Chiltern and for the first half it looked as though they were to take the honours.
Olney started well with strong running from the forwards especially Mark Lay and Gareth Cahill taking the ball to them. But once again Olney were struggling in the set pieces with many balls failing to hit target in the line outs and often the scrum went backwards. However, on a positive note man of the match Stuart Howkins was excellent in the line out and stole a few of the opposition ball. He was also very strong in loose play putting in many try saving tackles. Olney did have all the early possession but missed opportunities with two failed penalty kicks let the visitors off. Olney did take two of their penalties to go 6-0 up at half time.
The second half started well for Olney with good running from all the of the front eight. Ben Pry in the centre had his usual strong game with some excellent running angles but he failed to go over. Olney at one point looked as they were to go over but Rory Duncan was stopped just before the line.
By the 60th minutes Amersham had made changes in the backs with their 10 switching to 12 and this made all the difference. They suddenly started to use their pace in the backs and sliced open the Olney defence. Olney were unable to make tackles and cover the back line running hard at them. Amersham took full advantage of some weak play in the Olney backs and ran in three tries in very close succession. Realistically Olney were lucky it took them this long to score as the scoreline could have been worse. The final score being 6-17.
SAT 21ST OCTOBER
OLNEY VICTORIOUS IN LOCAL DERBY
OLNEY 25 MILTON KEYNES 6
Olney took on Milton Keynes at home this Saturday and took honours in the local derby. From the start it was always going to be a difficult game as Milton Keynes had started well this season. It was Milton Keynes that took first points with a penalty on five minutes to go 3-0 ahead. From this it gave Olney the spur they need and excellent play from front row combination of George Stanton, Paul Dowsett and Olly Brackenboro drove Olney forward. All three were excellent in loose play taking a lot of crash ball. A penalty on 18 minutes evened the score to make it 3-3.
Soon after this Captain Dave Smith did an excellent high kick that was dropped by Milton Keynes and collected by Ben Pry to score the first of his two tries. This was converted by Dave Smith to make the score 8-3. The rest of the half Milton Keynes came back and just on half time excellent play by Milton Keynes led to a drop goal by Milton Keynes to take the score back to 8-6. The second half started well for Olney and great play from number 8 Gareth Cahill kept the ball alive for Olney, he was particular strong taking the ball from scrums to relieve pressure. Olly Caplin at scrum half had a good game ensuring that quick ball was fed out to the backs .He had an excellent game as usual and put in some excellent tackles. Unfortunately we then lost Charlie Belcher to damaged ribs.
On 55 minutes Olney looked like they were to score again as Stuart Howkins kicked a loose ball through. Footballing skills displayed here looked like he was bound to score. However, he was blocked by a Milton Keynes player and produced a spectacular dive that any premiership player would have been proud of. A penalty was awarded and Olney went 11-6 ahead.
The rest of the half was all Olney pressure and strong runs particularly from full back Charvis fantastic pressure led to the ball being shipped wide. Rory Duncan just couldn’t keep hold of the ball and Ben Pry went over for his second try on the 65 minute making the score 18-6
Olney sneaked another late try after fantastic pressure from the forwards and a turnover scrum 10 metres out. Olney were awarded the scrum and shipped the ball wide then fantastic mauling from Howkins and Cahill kept the ball alive for Olney. A great line of running led to a try for Dave Smith to take the game to 25-6. SAT 14TH OCTOBER
OLNEY STRUGGLE AGAINST CHIPPING NORTON
CHIPPING NORTON 16 OLNEY 12
Olney travelled away to Chipping Norton on Saturday and were looking to carry on the good work from last week. However, with Matthew Bobbie out through injury and the replacement hooker not turning up Olney were struggling for line out options before they started. Paul Dowsett stepped up from prop to play hooker. Chipping Norton seemed fired up from the start yet Olney seemed to have left their aggression in the changing room. We started well with Charlie Belcher catching our kick off but this was to be the last time we saw the ball for some time. At five minutes they were awarded a penalty to go 3-0 up. From this it was all pressure from Chipping and mistakes in our back line costs us possession with dropped balls and kicks that failed to clear the lines. On the 21minute Chipping went over to score in the corner after sustained pressure and good running from their centres, to make the score 8-0. This try was quickly followed by another on the 26th minute after a kick was charged down to make the score 13-0. Olney did start to get back into the game and strong running from prop George Stanton led the charge. The backs did make some in roads until a dangerous tackle by Chipping led to the first two yellow cards of the game. With Stuart Howkins taking exception to this dangerous play and clearing out the player. The second half we started much better and we seemed to want to win. On the 55 minute a well worked move from the backs led to a try for Ben Pry well deserved on his part as he had played well to make the score 13-5. From this we seemed to want to win and the hunger was there once again but before long the referee had got out another yellow card for Charlie Belcher for allegedly diving over the ruck. Once again Olney down to 14 men. However this didn’t stop us and a quickly taken penalty led to a try on the 60th minute for Gareth Cahill to make the score 13-12. The luck was never to be on Olney’s side or the referee and when captain Dave Smith questioned him about a decision he couldn’t even comment on why he had made it. From this Dave was a marked man and sure enough when their centre ran at Dave and dropped his shoulder to take contact Dave uncharacteristically went in high. This was not deliberate but sure enough he was sin binned and Chipping awarded a penalty to take the final score 16-12. A disappointing game but hopefully Olney will work on these mistakes from Milton Keynes at home next week.
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From the restart Olney obtained an attacking scrum and soon after a rolling maul was set up with the Olney players powering through Bugbrooke’s seemingly dominant pack.
Good aggression from Bugbrooke from the restart put Olney under pressure but it wasn’t enough to change the flow of the game as the whistle sounded to signal Olney’s victory.