On an unusually warm autumn day, Olney welcomed Peterborough Lions to Doff’s Field for the first time. Although they sit at the foot of the table there was no need for complacency and despite changes in the side, Olney had prepared for this match as they would for any other.

With the pitch looking as good as any we have seen this season, Olney kicked off against the slight breeze but Lions used the elements well to keep the home side on the back foot. They were rewarded 10 minutes in when Olney won a 5m lineout but failed to clear and Lions pounced on the loose ball for the first score. A penalty on the 22 on their next attack allowed them a shot at goal for another 3 points to extend their lead and they certainly didn’t look like a side who hadn’t won a game all season. Olney looked dangerous in attack but on occasions were guilty of committing a few errors and lost possession. They did get on the scoresheet after 20 minutes when a pick up from the base of the scrum gave Ethan Chambers a sniff of a chance which he took well to dart over. Lions soon found their way back in the Olney half though, and after several phases of play their prop applied the finishing touch to barge over from close range. Almost from the restart, a missed touch was well gathered by Struan Brooks who evaded several defenders to set up Ben Duke in support for a run in under the posts. Half time score of 12 -17 and Olney could have been wondering what might have been had all the passes gone to hand.

Early in the second half a fine break by Chambers took Olney to the depths of the Lions 22 and eventually, having kept them pinned back for a spell, a quick tapped penalty went through the hands to Stu Livesey who jinked his way over the line for the try, converted by Mike Chapman to take the lead. Lions still had some pride in them and their pressure towards the Olney line was only stopped by some good defence by Olney, particularly Louis Schael who was enjoying a fine game clearing up loose balls, thwarting attacks and having some powerful runs. The play was back and forth and when Olney kicked for the corner, captain Eddie Goss won the resulting 5m lineout to feed Chambers who sniped over for the bonus point try. A Chambers break again set up the next try with some swift recycling to give winger Charlie Hicks a chance to beat his man and score wide on the right. The last action of the half belonged to Lions who showed they still had retained their bite when their speedy winger finished off a fine move wide on the left. Final score at 29 – 22. Good to see Jeff back at the corner with his zoom lens so by the time you read this, all the action will be out there for all to see. Wise words on how the game should be played from Phil too, who no doubt is missing being at his usual spot on the wing due to a long term injury.

Overall, a good result for Olney to keep them at the upper end of the league but unfortunate for Lions who will surely win games this season if they continue to play as they did today.

Apparently Plod Soman has been out on the dating scene again this week. The lady he was having dinner with told him she had slept with 5 people before they met. Normally he wouldn’t have minded but he was only 20 minutes late!