It has been a while since we played at Newbold and last time we were here we came second by a considerable margin. A lot has happened since and both sides will obviously have changed in the years between these fixtures so expectations were high for the travelling Olney side. A warm welcome greeted us on arrival so many thanks to Newbold for their hospitality.

On a glorious late summer afternoon, several supporters and a cross bred terrier travelled to the banks of the river Avon (Not as picturesque as it sounds). The pitch was in fine condition despite the months of hot weather, and a slight breeze was blowing down the pitch, so ideal conditions for a good game. Newbold had the better of the early exchanges but some sterling defence kept them at bay. Some pressure by the heavier Newbold pack eventually told and they drove over from a 5m scrum under the posts for the first points. Olney were soaking up the pressure well but relied on clearance kicks to get back up field. Newbold’s pack were again on song when the second try was scored, down to some hard driving, to which Olney could only hold out for so long. Unfortunately, straight from the kick off, Olney were caught napping and the number 8 evaded more than enough tackles to score wide on the left. Another try on the left after some good interplay gave Newbold their bonus point and with their kicker having his apparently normal good day with the boot the half time score was 28-0 in their favour.

Some changes at half time meant a bit of rearrangement. Noddy Deighton, Sven Meiland off, Charlie Harris and George Bennett on. Olney realised that things could be better so using the wind advantage, pushed their way into the Newbold 22 and having been there long enough, Gabs Mann decided it was time to score when finishing a move wide on the right. On the next foray into the red zone, Ethan Chambers increased the tally when darting over from the base of a scrum. Will Ecclestone was replaced by Tommy Herman but Olney still had the upper hand and Ben Fett, on his debut, was on the end of a fine handling move to touch down in the right corner. Olney definitely had the better of the second half and finished strongly but the points conceded in the first half were ultimately too big a target to reach and the final score ended at 28-17 to the home side. The young referee had a fine game so we should give credit where it’s due as they are so often overlooked. Overall, a good performance from a very young side (Mike Chapman excluded!) who have moved to a league above from last season and will learn at every step. There were a lot of positives to work on in training which will stand us in good stead for the future.

We should also wish Slim Jim Osborn all the best next week as he will be tugging for all he is worth when representing England at the world championships in Holland. Good luck from all of us.

Over the summer Mr and Mrs Harris went to an air show to see the Red Arrows. There were gasps as the crowds watched on in amazement. Near miss after near miss had some people covering their eyes and shaking their heads in disbelief. It was a good half hours’ worth of entertainment but eventually Mrs Harris managed to park the car and they made their way to watch the show.