This week’s guest reporter: Rudolph Hucker

Despite Lutterworth sitting proudly at the top of the league having won all their matches so far this season, Olney were relishing the chance to take some points from them on their own ground. A tough prospect but on form, something they are capable of despite the last couple of results not going according to plan. Always formidable opposition but a warm welcome awaits in the clubhouse each year. We heard this week that a local accountant has come to the conclusion there are only three types of businesses. Those that are good with numbers and those that are not.

On a day when storm Darragh was wreaking its havoc across the land the match took place in conditions hardly suitable for either playing or watching rugby. Fortunately this reporter was invited into the only bit of shelter by the very friendly Lutterworth coach so he could write a few notes. With the wind slightly in their favour Lutterworth seemed to have the upper hand from the early stages but it took a while for the first points to register on the scoreboard. A pick up from the base of a 5m scrum by the number 8 and he had enough power to force his way over. The second try shortly after came when an attack from deep in their own half and the winger and full back combining well for the latter to score wide on the left. Olney were holding out well against the home side’s bigger pack and were putting some phases together but these unfortunately didn’t result in points on the board. With the game being dictated somewhat by the conditions, word came from Lutterworth fly-half Luke Ball that in 5 minutes time he was going to do something unexpected. 5 minutes later he decided that the cold weather put paid to his plans and he carried on as normal. The next score towards the end of the half, again came from a pick up from the base of a 5m scrum. This time feeding the winger who dotted down in the corner. 17-0 at half time.

Shortly after the start of the second half it seemed as if it got darker and conditions got worse but Olney stuck to their task well with skipper Eddie Goss leading from the front and making dents in the defence. However, Olney were spending increasing amounts of time in their own half and a quickly taken penalty caught them off guard and resulted in the bonus point try for Lutterworth. Still the pressure kept coming and a well executed move saw the full back race in off the fly half at an angle to score under the posts. (Probably not the first or last time this move has worked this season). Olney were far from down and out though and with their next foray into the Lutterworth 22, Ewan Fuller noticed a weakness in the defence to weave his way to the line for a fine individual try. With the players and even the referee feeling the cold, the last action of the match occurred when Lutterworth forced the Olney backs into an error and picked off the loose ball to release their own backs and score the final try of the day, and with the conversion took the score to 36-5. Olney still showed their worth though and continue to play well despite injuries hampering their cause on occasions. Notable performances today from Josh Fadden and young hooker Joe Baker who epitomised the never say die attitude. Hector Stanbridge too, only because we know he likes to see his name in print each week.

A game played in filthy conditions but on the day the best team won and they are possibly entitled to feel as smug as they did at the end. A game controlled by that man Luke Ball and rumour has it he even made a couple of tackles. Nice to catch up with a few old friends at Lutterworth and good to see “Pickle” who ran touch for them for more years than one can remember. Well done to the brave supporters who dared to venture out in the cold and wet and also to the gang from Wellingborough who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their afternoon out.

With the festive season looming we learned of a tradition from the Harris household from a while back. In early December they used to go to the pub then come back, pop into their neighbours and “Deck the Halls”. This custom ceased when the Halls, who were a nice family, decided they no longer wanted to be part of this and moved house.