Commanding Olney dominate Rushden

Following the comprehensive defeat at the hands of top of the table Peterborough two weeks ago, and a day off last Saturday, Olney welcomed bottom of the league Rushden and Higham to the Rec.

Olney kicked off and the visitors returned the ball into touch on halfway. Olney's forwards won the ball at the line out and attacked into Rushden's '22', again the visitors kicked to touch and Olney's throw in, not straight, conceded a scrum. Olney were penalised and Rushden kicked to touch but failed to put the ball out. Olney counter attacked and the backs ran the ball to open the scoring, Jordan Letts at centre making the touchdown. Patch Adamns converted from wide out to take the lead 7 - 0, after 5 mins.

Their dominance in the set piece and determination in defence gave the home eight opportunities to expand their game and this was evident when Cameron Kok, at lock, crashed through the visitor's defence, scoring Olney's second try. Adamns added the conversion with another fine kick from near the touchline. 14 - 0, (10 mins.).

Rushden kicked off for the restart and when Olney returned the kick, they attempted to run the ball. At the breakdown Olney were penalised just in their own half. Rushden kicked to gain territory but a free kick was awarded to Olney for delaying the throw in at the lineout. Olney ran the ball from the kick and Cameron Keenan, making his first outing for the senior side since his return to the club, kicked deep. A bit too deep, resulting in a '22' drop out for the visitors. Olney fielded the ball and attacked in the three's. At the breakdown Rushden were awarded a scrum 10m. from their goal line. The home eight drove the scrum and were awarded a penalty 5m. from the goal line for Rushden collapsing! Olney opted for another scrum and the visitors were guilty of infringing again. The referee awarded a 'penalty try' and Adamns added the conversion to put Olney ahead 21 - 0, after 20 mins.

Olney achieved their, bonus point, fourth try from a scrum in the Rushden '22'. They drove the visitor's pack and Ollie Francis at No.8 picked up off the base of the scrum and forced over for the score. Adamns was unlucky with the kick hitting the near upright. Score: 26 - 0, 32 mins.

Rushden suffered a misfortune, as the half approached injury time' they were forced to take off their hooker, leg injury. This had an obvious effect on their scrum and Olney added a further try by flanker Isaac Shields, off the back of the scrum. Adamns converted and the score moved on 33 - 0.

Following the restart a big break by Gareth Carhill almost resulted in another try for the back row and Rushden resisted until half time.

HALF TIME SCORE: OLNEY 33, RUSHDEN & HIGHAM 0.

Rushden kicked off for the second half, Olney having substituted Kane Russell replacing Keegan Anderson in the forwards.

The visitors managed to contain the home sides attacking excursions and prevented Olney from capitalising on a wealth of possession. Olney made a further change bringing on Dave Smith for Brandon Kerr in the backs and Kok coming back for Jeremiah Shields.

It was almost on the half hour when, from the forwards producing good ball and a break by outside half Adamns, skipper Jim Osborn popped up on his shoulder to take the ball and run in a try. No conversion, score: 38 - 0.

Olney counter attacked from the restart but a forward pass gave the visitors put in at the scrum. Olney pushed the depleted Rushden forwards off the ball and scrum half Keenan picked up to add the try. There was no conversion and the score moved on to: 43 - 0, 35 mins.

Olney were almost in total command, the forwards used their advantage in the scrum to win the ball and Gareth Carhill rounded off an excellent afternoons work scoring 'one for the pack', no conversion, score: 48 - 0.

Allowing for injury time, 7 mins. to go Olney conjured another try, most of the team had a hand in this until the ball was shipped to Kane Russell on the right wing. He rounded the Rushden defence to touch down for the final points.

FULL TIME SCORE: OLNEY 53, RUSHDEN & HIGHAM 0.

The second team enjoyed a 33-5 win over Rushden and the thirds made it 3 out of 3 with a 59-0 routing of Dunstable.