Another home game. This match was the rearranged fixture from before Christmas against Market Bosworth who have had some good results this season so Olney would have to be on top form to stay at the top of the table. As mentioned once before, Market Bosworth is close to the site of the last battle of the Wars of the Roses so hopefully in comparison for today’s battle, Olney would play the part of the Lancastrians and Henry Tudor whilst Bosworth would represent the King and his Yorkists. Unfortunately Richard III had to be removed from the pitch just prior to kick off.
In a break from the normal and with the impending past players lunch, the names from this match have been changed and substituted with names of players from years ago. It may jog a few memories from the dim and distant past for some so here goes.

With a few changes due to covid Olney took to the field under the captaincy of Stuart Parkin whose inclusion upped the average age of a young side. His presence had an immediate impact, giving away an early penalty within range for the first score to Bosworth. The boys in cerise were soon back on the attack though and some good phases resulted in a 5m lineout. Duly won by Justin Mcloughlin, leaping like a salmon, the drive over the line gave prop Tom Salsbury a rare try. The impetus was now with the home side and a scrum won on half-way was collected by Icky Mynard to feed Andy Fitzgerald, unusually at full back for the day, who then beat the cover with some fancy footwork to touch down under the posts. Bosworth still had something to say in the game though and a good spell of pressure in the Olney 22 resulted in a catch and drive of their own for a try wide on the right. This appeared to give Olney a reason to up their game and play a bit more expansively which is what they do best. Some excellent handling and support play eventually led to Dean Crafter being the recipient of the final offload from Martin Harris for a fine team try. Two conversions from Mynard and the half time score was 19-8.

A couple of changes for the second half and veteran Willy Boulton off for a break to be replaced at prop by young Barry Elderton, and Parkin giving up his kingdom for a horse in the shape of Alex Wilcox. It was still a good battle in the set piece though and Bosworth did well with a few in the Olney 22, eventually leading to a try to narrow the score to 19-15 after the conversion. Still Olney were intent on the running rugby which has served them well all season and after a scrum on 5m a rehearsed move in the backs saw centre Desmondo Coltman split the defence when bursting through to score close to the posts. A similar move shortly after from a 5m lineout allowed fellow centre Nick Deighton the opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet. Bosworth still wanted a say in the result, however and continued to pressure at the set piece giving them opportunities to work their way towards the Olney line. In the latter stages of the half, Olney had the better of the exchanges and a good passage of play with again, tremendous support, ended up with a try for Ben Brock when collecting the final pass from winger Jacko Page. Three more conversions from Mynard leaving the final score 40-15 and another bonus point win for Olney. Notable performances up front from Jock Weatherup and Mark Lay who would be aggrieved if they didn’t get a mention after their efforts today.

With apologies to today’s players for the name changes, you know who did what on the pitch and well played all of you. It may be fun though for you to wander round after the past players lunch to mingle with the former players and find out how good they think they were when they’ve had a few pints. You never know, someone may even buy you a drink!

On a serious note, Mr Harris’s neighbour has noticed that recently some of her underwear has gone missing from her washing line. She saw Mr Harris and while not suspecting him at all mentioned the problem and if it continued she would have to get the police involved. He was so concerned and worried he nearly crapped in her pants!