Today we welcomed Peterborough to East Street for what was the last league match of the season. Traditionally a tricky side to beat but Olney were supported on the day by a good crowd on the occasion of our President’s and volunteers day. Clubs like ours at this level rely heavily on numerous volunteers and could not function as they do without them so a big thank you to all concerned.

Olney again fielded a side featuring several changes due to unavailability and injury and the early minutes saw Peterborough have the territorial advantage. This, along with numerous penalties against the home side, led to a 5m lineout and the drive over for the first try. A further 3 points from a successful penalty kick extended their lead soon after. In a fairly uneventful half when both sides found it difficult to gain significant advantage, it took a yellow card for Peterborough to allow Olney to apply some pressure and after winning a lineout close in, the backs came into play with Oscar Bennett finishing the move. Half time and the score at 7-10

The second half carried on in much the same way and in parts was as flat as the fens but an interception by Lloyd Sweeney excited the crowd when he ran in from 50m to score wide on the left. A man in the bin for each side was seen as a bit of a highlight but Peterborough coped better with this and their forwards drove over for the lead again. A third try followed when Peterborough scored in the right corner followed by a fine conversion to take the score to 12-24. The final action of the match was Oscar Bennett again braking clear to finish under the posts and take the final score to 17-24. The end of the league action for this season and 6th place in the table, which is a creditable result in our first season at this level for a number of years. Well done to all players and coaches who have provided some fine rugby for the supporters both home and away and we can be hopeful for more of the same for next year.

A story passed on recently was, that after a particularly heavy session, John Nicholls had been seen wandering the town with a pig under his arm. He ventured into The Swan and the young lady behind the bar asked “Where on earth did you get that from?” To which the pig replied “I won him in a raffle!”

This will probably/possibly be the last match report of this season too, so many thanks to those of you who read these rambling words of a noted cherophobe (look it up). Also we’re running short of made up names! Much of what is written is not to be taken too seriously and is never intended to cause offence so please bear that in mind when I go and present Match of the Day in a couple of weeks’ time. Well done to old Dave “Haggis” Atkins as ever for putting the match day programmes together. Rumour has it he actually worked alongside William Caxton when he started off in the print business.

Finally, two young ladies who watch the matches every week and always read the reports have been desperate for a mention in print all season. We’ll not reveal their proper names but call them Beth and Alice (they’ll know who it is). Apparently they want to know what goes on in the changing rooms and baths immediately after the game so are eagerly awaiting an offer of an entry via the back door.

That’s all folks, until next time.