This week we welcomed old adversaries Lutterworth to Doff’s Field. In previous years we have had varying degrees of success against them but they have usually proved to be a powerful side and difficult to get the better of. Olney have a young squad again this year with many of them coming through the mini and junior sections and the colts, which is how it should be. Evidence of the low age was apparent last week when not many of them knew who Neil Armstrong was or what type of music he played on his trumpet.

On the hottest day of the year, and far too hot for rugby, several cars blocked the car park and most of East Street too, with their occupants heading for the river. Various canoes, paddle boards and dinghies were being carried down by people of varying shapes and sizes. Allegedly 40 non-nationals came up the river on a small inflatable and mingled with the crowd!

Meanwhile a game of rugby was happening and both sides wanted to keep the ball alive to play a running game and entertain the significant crowd basking in the sunshine. With Olney playing at pace they forced a penalty in the Lutterworth 22 and the resulting quick tap allowed Rob Morgan the chance to drive over for the first try. Lutterworth were soon back up the other end with a few good runs and a kick to the corner resulted in a lineout 5m out. The catch and drive was going to be the only outcome for the try. Lutterworth were again on the attack and allowed to run a bit too far, eventually resulting in a try on the left. Oscar Bennett was involved a couple of times in a wonderful passage of play from Olney which ended with him diving over close to the posts. A successful penalty shot at goal by Will Brock to add to his two conversions took the score at half time to 17-12 to the home side.

The second half saw Lutterworth attacking with intent and their strong running fullback getting more involved and when given the space he took his chance to score to put them ahead again. Both sides were still intent on throwing the ball about but a couple of handling errors gave Lutterworth the opportunity to pounce which they duly did and ran in for their bonus point try. One thing we could learn from Lutterworth is how to swear at every chance you can. We know these thing happen but sometimes it is noticeably excessive and today was one of those times. It didn’t affect their game though and again the fullback showed his ability with a fine individual try.
At this stage of the game it was apparent that Lutterworth had the upper hand and it came as no surprise when they added a final try late into the game when their fullback capped a fine performance with his third try wide on the left after the defence crumbled like a concrete school ceiling. This took the final score to 17 – 38 in Lutterworth’s favour. One person who rarely gets a mention is the man with the whistle but today’s referee had a particularly good afternoon. Some good individual performances by the Olney lads but collectively they just came second best to a strong Lutterworth side.

Thanks should also go to Marcus and Xpertex who sponsored the match today and provided some excellent hospitality.

It has been rumoured that a local establishment has been selling burgers made of horse meat. Mr Harris ordered one on a night out and when the waitress asked if he wanted anything on it he replied “Yes, five pounds each way!” While on the subject of meat we’ve also been asked to publicise the infamous Meat Raffle which occurs on a Sunday lunchtime. Normal “rules” apply which means you probably won’t win but if you’re partial to a faggot or a blood sausage then get yourself down there.

A few photos courtesy of Jeff Bowden