This week saw the visit of Old Scouts, one of the form teams so far this season so we knew that Olney would have to up their game somewhat, having suffered narrow defeats in their two previous matches.

Another bright sunny day with a bit of a breeze so good conditions for rugby although the ground could do with a good rain to soften the impact somewhat. Olney kicked off with the wind in their favour and after five minutes their first attack produced a try wide on the left for Dom Saghri. Shortly after Scouts kicked a penalty in their first venture to the Olney 22. Ewan Fuller also popped over a penalty next time Olney were within striking range. The game seemed then to revert to a period of penalties, over exuberant celebrations for minor things interspersed with serious bouts of swearing! The Scouts hooker saw yellow when the referee thought the time was right to punish the deeds. From the resulting penalty, James Bennett charged over for Olney’s next try. 14 man Scouts were never going to give in though and when nearing the Olney line, kicked for the corner after a silly penalty for ungentlemanly conduct. Catch and drive and Scouts were only 5 points behind. A kick return by Gabs Mann followed by some quick recycling and support play by Elliot Simpson extended the lead once more. An interesting passage of play involving several errors and a good old chip and chase saw Scouts score under the posts to bring them to within 3 points at 20-17. Another Bennett charge for the line and an offload to Sven Meiland meant Olney had the bonus point and a 10 point lead. This lead was increased just before the break when a quick throw in caught Scouts short of numbers and Will Ecclestone the recipient of the final pass to score close to the posts. Fuller successful with the conversion and the half time score at 34-17.

Scouts had the better of the early stages of the half and scored wide on the left following a fine handling move by their backs who showed their full potential and could still be dangerous given the chance. Olney now settled down consolidated their lead, kept the ball for long spells and tackled well to Keep Scouts at bay. Unfortunately for their hooker he was spotted by the referee doing something he shouldn’t and a second yellow meant he wouldn’t see the end of the game. Fuller kicked the resulting penalty from 25m. Mann also had a spell in the bin for a deliberate knock on during which time Scouts scored wide on the left taking the score to 37-29. A strange try again for Olney later when a kick at goal drifted wide and the Scouts winger ran from deep. He then lost the ball in the tackle which was snapped up by Meiland who started and finished the counter attack taking the final score to 42-29.

A day when Olney will be pleased with the performance and 5 points in the league. Scouts will be less pleased and possibly rue the fact that they had a few players missing from previous weeks that may have made a difference on the day.

As a single man, Plod Soman has been known to meet ladies through dating sites. On one occasion the lady in question was very keen and asked him back for coffee and more...to read the rest, buy the next match day programmes !