A trip to Northants and Kettering RFC for another league encounter. Always a tricky fixture but as ever hopes were high for the Olney boys. On the way we drove past Wicksteed Park where several of our elder members will remember many a happy hour standing in the playground. From the gossip column we heard recently that local celebrity John Nicholls was apparently born without eyelids. The surgeons took some spare skin from another part of his anatomy and the operation was a success but could explain why he occasionally looks a bit cock-eyed.

With thanks to Kettering for their pre-match hospitality, the crowds assembled for the spectacle about to unfold and from the start it seemed that the larger Kettering pack would be asserting their advantage at the set piece. Early on this was the case as the home side worked their way close to the try line but Olney managed to win the ball and immediately attacked from deep with Jacob DeMain making the initial break. The ball passed through several pairs of hands and Charlie Hicks was in support to finish under the posts then convert his own try. A penalty attempt by Kettering from the kick off missed the target then a period followed where both sides made good inroads into the opposite half but didn’t manage to score. (The video will prove interesting viewing!) Unfortunately young Hector Stanbridge had to depart with an injury which was a shame in his first full season of senior rugby but he’ll be back. Later, when Eliot Simpson gathered a clearance kick he found Mackenzie Ewing on his left who broke the first two tackles and saw space in front of him. The only way was forward so he set off on a mazy run which resulted in a fine individual try. Kettering again got close to the Olney line following a series of penalties and a catch and drive from a lineout resulted in their first try. A penalty after a late hit saw Hicks extend the lead and take the score to 17-7 at half time which could possibly have been more in Olney’s favour.

At the start of the second half Olney succumbed to the pressures of the heavier Kettering pack and the pushover try seemed inevitable when the drive came and 5 more points to them. However, Olney extended their lead when they won a scrum inside their own half and the ball travelled along the back line for Ewan Fuller to score wide on the right. Olney for a time were then guilty of conceding a number of penalties and a penalty try followed by a successful kick at goal meant that the scores were level at 22-22 heading towards the final whistle. Captain Eddie Goss had to leave the field injured but this didn’t hamper the Olney side as they continued to attack for the win. In the last few minutes they exhibited some running rugby at its best when the ball went through backs and forwards in support at pace to see Ewing finish the move by beating his man and running round to score under the posts. A few frantic moments followed after the kick off but eventually the ball was in touch and Olney had finished worthy winners. Final score 29-22 and a bonus point too.

A good result for Olney who again provided some entertaining rugby throughout the afternoon and will keep them well up at the top end of the table. With this in mind, it would be nice to see more supporters travel to the away matches. Most of them are not very far away and the players would really appreciate seeing more friendly faces on the touchline.

For the first of this season’s tales from the home of marital bliss it’s alleged that Mr Harris received a text from Mrs Harris informing him that Gavin from Auto Windscreens was going to inject some special resin in her crack. This confused him somewhat as he was sure the car was parked outside the house. Also as amateur reporters we are always checking grammar and spelling so are wondering if buttcheeks is all one word or perhaps be spread apart.