Olney vs Wellingborough - 11th November 2023

On the occasion of Remembrance Day and also the former players’ lunch, the great and the good and some of the not so good gathered to watch the local derby between two old rivals and to honour those of a previous generation to whom we owe so much. Always a special day in the club’s calendar and rekindles many friendships in the true spirit of the game. Was it really better in their day? Who knows? The story from the Harris household this week was that Mrs Harris couldn’t attend an innuendo seminar so Mr Harris had to fill her slot instead.

After fine dining on dormouse wrapped in pancetta, the old folk made their way outside for a well respected silence and thoughts of those lost in conflict. On a bright sunny day one hoped the match would do justice to the occasion. Olney had much of the play in the first few minutes and after several phases, Josh Fadden crossed the line with a powerful run for the first score, duly converted by Ewan Fuller. However, as the league positions indicate, the two sides are evenly matched, and it came as no surprise when Boro came back on the attack. Having broken through a tackle in their own half they gained ground through the middle to end up scoring close to the posts. Soon after another attack from Boro saw the ball shipped to the left wing and the kick chase won by their winger to dot down wide on the left. Fuller narrowed the gap with a successful penalty but Borough scored shortly after with a well worked move from a set piece to score under the posts. A high clearance kick was fielded by Brandon Kerr just behind half way then strong running from Ben Duke and Oscar Bennett gave enough space for Tommy Herman to finish the move with the try. An interesting half where it seemed that winning a penalty or being awarded the put in at a scrum was cause for wild celebrations from players and the coaching staff. Something the traditionalists feel should clamped down on. Half time score 19-15 to the away side.

The second half continued in much the same manner as the first with both sides looking capable of scoring but defences being equal to the challenges of the attacks. A strong tackle to dislodge the ball by Boro allowed their centre to run in from his own half for a fine try and a bonus point, again converted to extend their lead. Olney reshuffled their back line, bringing on Elliot Simpson and it was he who had an impact when, after some good recycling, he was tackled high close to the line and the penalty try awarded. The score at 22-26 this was now anyone’s game but Olney took the chance from a penalty to kick for the corner. The resulting catch and drive saw Herman touch down for his second of the day with Fuller converting and the lead for Olney at 29-26. Unfortunately as the players untangled themselves it revealed Lewis Schael had received a nasty leg injury. We wish him well and his presence will be missed in the coming matches. Frustration set in during the final minutes and handbags were flapping about resulting in a couple of yellow cards for each side. One shouldn’t criticise the referee so we won’t. Final score 29-26 to Olney.

Another bonus point win which is just what Olney needed to keep them away from the lower end of the league but hard luck to Boro who could well have left with the victory. A good day on the pitch and judging by the clubhouse later, a good day off the pitch too. Well done to all concerned for the organisation of what is always a good day out for those who travel from afar (and not so far) to catch up and talk rubbish. Whilst on the subject of old folk, the rumour has it that when rugby was first invented and William Webb Ellis picked up the ball in that famous football match, Dave Haggis Atkins was playing in goal!

Single man Plod Soman has been out on the dating scene again. This time he had arranged to meet a lady from one of the not so select areas of Milton Keynes. Now we’re not saying she had bad teeth but when she smiled in Lidl the barcode scanner picked it up as a set of saucepans!