Half-way through the season and with the start of the return fixtures we welcomed Newbold-on-Avon to Doffs-by- the-Ouse. At the beginning of the campaign we narrowly lost to them on the road but have since rallied with the clubs at a similar level in the league. Both sides are capable of producing good rugby in an entertaining style, although in the previous fixture Newbold seemed to be more forward orientated. Olney were looking to get back to winning ways after a couple of losses in their previous matches. Today was also the occasion of the annual ladies lunch so a busy day for the bar staff.

A considerable amount of changes again in the Olney line-up due to unavailability and injury so several players stepping up a level to first team rugby. Things looked good from the first significant attack when Tommy Herman opened the scoring with a bullocking charge. Newbold looked capable of returning the favour and having spent a while in the Olney 22, the winger dotted down in the corner to level the score. The young Olney team looked the better of the sides for most of the first half but, if anything, were guilty of over exuberance and inexperience when a number of chances were squandered due to penalties or an indifferent final pass. With these chances missed, the half time score remained even at 7-7.

Newbold had the best of the first 10 minutes of the second half and led 14-7 after a converted try but Olney were soon back at them when a move down the left flank ended with Lloyd Sweeney touching down close to the posts. A turnover by the forwards on their own 22 allowed Will Ecclestone to start an attack which involved a number of players and he finished the move himself for a fine try to put Olney ahead again at 19-14. This seemed to kick-start the visitors into action and, assisted by a few more penalties, they worked their way up to a close lineout to then drive over from 5m out. They had now got the hang of nullifying the Olney runners and opted to play a slower tempo until the time arose to attack, which they did successfully with a chip over and chase for their bonus point try. Another try right at the end when a break wide on the right allowed the winger enough space for his second of the day. This was again converted by Newbold’s fly half who had an excellent day with the boot and made the final score 19-33.

Possibly a day to not reflect back on too much in terms of the score but much to learn with respect to the performance. With no easy games in this league, there will always be a need to improve but this will have been good experience for the players involved on the day who didn’t disgrace themselves and showed the potential within the playing squad overall.

With the colder weather well set in, Mr and Mrs Harris were planning a winter break in the sun. Whilst sorting through the wardrobe, Mrs Harris found her bikini but had doubts about packing it as she was worried about showing the scar from an appendix operation. She asked Mr Harris his opinion but his response of “Don’t worry because your boobs will cover it up!” probably wasn’t the answer she was expecting. Apparently she travelled alone.