Olney Colts win thriller against Bedford

Picture by Gareth Beynon (the little guy bottom left)

Tremendous squad performance by the Colts to beat Bedford 17-15 in their second East Midlands Colts league game.

The first quarter was dominated by Bedford in terms of territory but they didn't turn this into points due to some exceptional defence, and slightly against the run of play Olney took the lead following at least 10 phases of play through the forwards, with Jacob de Main then released to score on the left. De Main converted his own try. Olney 7-0 Bedford. Bedford came back and scored a converted try of their own under the posts following some great continuity of their own. Olney 7-7 Bedford. Olney were coming more into the game and took a fortunate lead when Bedford attempted a clearing kick straight into the 'lower stomach' of Max Evans who ran under the posts to score (and then had a lie down). Olney 14-7 Bedford. The half ended with both sides going toe to toe playing some exceptional rugby.

The second half was a great battle between two evenly matched sides (even if Olney were giving away some height and weight across the side). Olney had the better of the first 15 minutes and had chances to score but were not able to convert pressure into points. Bedford were down to 14 players mid way through the half which seemed to galvanise them and they started to gain pitch position and possession. Eventually this lead to a try wide out with the conversion hitting the post and not going over. Olney 14-12 Bedford. Bedford were now sensing a win and a stunning drop goal gave them the lead with 3 minutes to play. Olney 14-15 Bedford. However there was one final twist. Olney managed to regain possession from the kick off and an offside penalty gave Olney the chance to win the game with a challenging kick 20m to the right of the posts, 25m out. With de Main off the field and Manson (the other main kicker) off injured, Max Evans stepped forward and kicked the penalty. Olney 17-15 Bedford. Final score.

This was a tremendous game played by two very competitive teams, played in a great spirit. Both sides should take great credit from the way they played and the spectacle they provided to the large crowd.