Never a dull moment in Olney nowadays as we heard that last Sunday a naked couple were found in the church prior to the morning service. After a bit of commotion during which an elderly parishioner had a stroke, they managed to catch the man by the organ and the lady was grabbed by the bush near the back door. Word spread around town and apparently the evening service was packed. [Enough of this, what about the rugby? - Ed]

This week we welcomed Old Laurentians to East Street for a rearranged fixture lost to the frosts earlier in the season. Always one of the most hospitable of clubs, so thanks to the Cricket club for sponsoring today’s match and returning the favour.

Many of the supporters were still on their way out when a break from Harry Bennett led to space wide on the left and Will Brock scoring in the first minute. Charlie Hicks on kicking duty for the day adding the extra points. This seemed to set the pattern for the game and what followed was to be a high scoring affair with both sides eventually achieving bonus points for the number of tries scored but with Olney definitely having the better of things in terms of the final score. With apologies for lack of detail, the rest of the play panned out something like this: OL’s first attack led to a forward drive and a try wide on the left but Olney were soon on the offensive again and Brock was on the end of a good handling move for his second of the afternoon. Captain Eddie Goss also got his name on the scoresheet when Olney were next in the OL’s 22 when he charged over from 15m out. After a bit of a stalemate in midfield George Bennett found himself a bit of room and set off towards the OL’s line. 30m later and faced with a couple of defenders he looked for Dave Simpson in support who galloped in under the posts.

OL’s were not out of it and their forwards were operating effectively so the catch and drive from a lineout was a well-earned reward for their efforts. Shortly after their forwards were at it again, forcing themselves over close to the Olney posts. Towards the latter stages of the half a break by Brock followed by some quick recycling and a chip into the right area meant James Gardner could complete the move when beating the defence for the touch down. Harry Bennett finished the try fest of the first half with a fine try which his father was on hand to witness and is probably still talking about! Half time score at 40-17 to Olney.

The second half continued in the same manner and Will Ecclestone was first to score after a good attacking spell by the home side. Next up was Ewan Fuller who was in support to finish off a fine move on the right wing and run in close to the posts. Things were not as one sided as the score may suggest but Olney were able to take their chances well on the day with the backs just having the edge in terms of the extra pace and the forwards able to keep the ball alive long enough to allow the backs these chances. Good hands again and Dom Saghri was the recipient of the final pass for the next score, followed shortly after by another for Ecclestone under the posts. Of the 10 tries scored by Olney, 8 were converted with a fine display of place kicking by Hicks. (Far better success rate than Owen Farrell on the day).

OL’s had the final say when their forwards trundled over for their bonus point try late in the game to take the final score to 66-24. Despite one or two grumblings on the sidelines that they could play better, one should not be too critical of 66 points and a bonus point win. Match-day programmes have been sorely missed this week but normal service will resume now that Dave “Haggis” Atkins and the Last of the Summer Wine crew have returned from their trip to Thailand.

Mrs Harris was out walking during the week and had to call the RSPCA and tell them there was a suitcase in the woods with a fox and four cubs in. “That’s terrible replied the operator. Are they moving?” “I’m not sure to be honest” said Mrs Harris “but I suppose that would explain the suitcase. Either that or they are going on holiday.”