The Olney Ladies have out done themselves this season, after a rocky start they are unbeaten in 2018 bringing home big wins and fantastic scores, including a 45 – 22 win against the top of the league Kenilworth. The Olney Ladies have successfully finished second in the league and will be playing in the Alliance Cup final next week.

Despite an early struggle for numbers due to injuries and changes in personal circumstances, the team went out to every game with a positive attitude and commitment to their teammates. They faced the opposition with as little as 13 players on occasion, but were still proud of every performance, in particular a 31 - 7 win against Rugby Lionesses away. As the season progressed the Ladies saw some of their new players excel themselves, contributing to the overall strength and determination of the team, to name a few Natasha Howe, Megan Edwards, Becky Burrows, Hannah Anthony, Leah Thomas and Sarah Lamming. The ladies team also benefited from the support of many friends who were on hand to help when they needed it, including a few previous players playing one game wonders, our friends from New Zealand and other teams willing to help us!

The commitment of the team came to the spotlight in the second half of the season, where the ladies won every league game, the majority of which were won with over 40 points. The games were by no means easy, the opposition they faced were tough and ready for a challenge that the Ladies brought to them, let’s not forget the games against Old Northamptonians and Five Ways Old Edwardians.

The forwards found their strength as a pack with players like Lianne O’Reilly, Bobby Jenkins and Kristi Gray continually tackling low and hard. Players like Hannah Ovenden, Connie Spoor, Fleur Shakespeare and Jen Micklewright carried the ball with determination and strength. The line outs were also fought with conviction as Scarlet Donne stole the ball to gain us the advantage time and time again.

The backs proved their worth too, showing us some of their best moves, with players like Amanda Kinder and Jakki McCone outsmarting the opposition. The Ladies also showed us that they could control the pitch, with Ellie Fletcher, Jennie Miles and Nikki Moore leading the way with fortitude. And finally let’s not forget our top try scorers Charlotte Denny and Meg Edwards, who, with the team, pushed hard in attack.

A huge thank you to the Ladies’ outstanding coaches and supporters, often suffering through the rain to cheer on the Ladies in cerise pink and French grey! Make sure you come and support the Ladies at the Alliance Cup Final on the 25th April at Franklin's Gardens, the Kick off is at 6pm so you may even have time for a beer beforehand!

See you all there!