Olney travelled again over the border to the wilds of Northamptonshire, this time for a cup game in a competition we have never won, partly because we have previously been in the Bucks cup instead. A good chance to progress but with strong opposition left in the draw things will not be easy. On a fairly bright but chilly and breezy day Olney took to the field with a strong but changed side and plenty of optimism looking to improve on the performance of the previous week.

Olney started the match playing up the slope but with the significant wind at their backs and immediately showed their attacking intent by venturing into the Bugbroooke 22 and staying there for a considerable length of time. Some resolute defence, a couple of knock-ons, once held up over the line and a few infringements left the scoreline blank though. After several close range scrums and Bugbrooke with a man in the bin, the pressure told and Graham Smith eventually picked up and drove over for the first score. We’re sure he’ll tell you all about it. Another try followed shortly after when Brandon Kerr finished with a powerful run to score on the right. It was then Olney’s turn to be reduced in numbers when, according to the home crowd, Ash Elvers launched himself from considerable distance and nearly decapitated the Bugbrooke winger. High tackle yellow card. Half time arrived with the score at 0-12, Elliot Simpson converting one of the tries.

Olney changed a couple of like for like positions at the break with the introduction of Christian Caswell and Jake Millburn. With the wind still a telling factor, Bugbrooke used it well to make their way into the Olney half, but a kick was a little too strong in the conditions and Olney came back for the scrum. Despite still being a man down, Olney ran the ball after winning the set piece and Struan Brooks was on hand to pick up the final pass and score wide on the right. (0-17) Harvey Dench came onto the field to bring Olney up to full numbers. Another scrum, another running move and another try, this time for Phil Bowden on the left increased Olney’s lead to 22-0. Bugbrooke were next to score when a hole in the usually solid defence allowed the No 8 a chance to gallop over the line. (5-22)

In the latter stages of the match it was Olney who had the better of things with the pack working well, led by a fine performance on the day by captain Gareth Cahill, and the backs running with purpose, it came as no surprise that they scored again. One try on the left from Bowden (5-27) and another wide on the right from Kerr. (5-32). As it wasn’t a day for the kickers no extra points were added with the boot. Contrary to what the referee added the scores up to, this reporter made the final score 5-32 to Olney, although surely anyone who scored and is not mentioned will let it be known. Bugbrooke also had to make several changes to their normal side on the day but this shows that Olney probably have greater strength in depth across the club as a whole as the seconds also won against a strong Ampthill side. Well done to the few hardy supporters who travelled to watch on a cold and windy day. Good numbers from the Hales and Chapman clans and an unplanned visit from the President and his wife. As ever, Jeff was there with his zoom lens and was probably up until 3.00 am adding photos to social media.

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but in his early years Mr Harris was not renowned for his academic prowess. He realised this himself while at school and was pleasantly surprised when instead of mainstream English he was handed a piece of paper instructing him to go to room 44 for daily sex. It was only when he got to the room they unfortunately had to inform him it was in fact for dyslexia!