28th September 2019 Syston v Olney

28th September 2019
Syston v Olney

Olney travelled to Syston for a top v lower end of the table clash with the host side high in expectation of a convincing win. This was achieved but the score didn’t fully represent the way the game was played. What was apparent was the gulf in size with the Leicestershire side considerably bigger and heavier, seemingly in every position.

The Olney lads were up against it in the scrums and were going backwards from the first set piece. This resulted in a penalty, kicked to the corner followed by a driving maul and a first try for the hosts. A second try was achieved shortly after when the Syston centre found a gap through the middle to score under the posts and after 12 minutes the home side were 12-0 up. The Olney boys then got into the game a bit more and showed their intent with Ollie Betteridge setting the backs up for some good passages of play into the Syston territory. However, some resolute defending and powerful drives saw the Syston side work their way up the field and their backs facing Olneys forwards leaving space for a score out wide.
Charlie Harris replaced Cam Kok and again Olney pressed up field with a good follow up from Sean Mulvey giving quick ball allowing Marcus Goss to come in off the wing to score under the posts. Paulo Peschisolido converted to make it 17-7.
A fine forward drive saw the Syston prop score in the corner, converted, then another Paulo penalty saw the sides go in at half time with the home side 24-10 ahead.

The second half panned out similar to the first, Syston applying pressure through the considerable bulk and good support play of their forwards. The canny Syston props were enjoying watching this hard work by the rest of the pack and were there at the right time supporting close to the line to grab four tries between them. Defensively the home side were hard to break down and there seemed no way through for Olney’ forwards at times, although when the breaks came there were indications of the potential of what is still a fairly young squad.
Olney applied pressure for several periods of the match and the home side certainly didn’t have things all their own way for the whole game but experience, or lack of it at this level in Olney’s case, showed at the critical moments, which ultimately was reflected in the scoreline.
Harvey Dunn replaced Will Simpson to earn a well deserved first team debut and Aaqil Attah replaced Marcus Goss towards the end of the game. Some fine tackling by the backs stifled several attacks from a now rampaging Syston side and Olney even finished the stronger with a period of sustained pressure rewarded with Aaqil touching down in the corner, Paulo converting.

The final score of 66-17 showed the difference between the sides but Olney have just moved up to this level, Syston were relegated to this league from Midlands Premier and have every intention of promotion again this season. So although not ideal, the result is understandable.

Special mention to Jim Ford who has written these reports for what seems like ages and this season has decided to fall on his pencil and hand over to anyone else who can write. Well done Jim, and many thanks for your work over the years.