Olney were back on the road again after the festive break but suitably refreshed and hoping for better fortunes in the second half of the season. Opponents Rugby Lions are a different type of club and still have echoes of the professional set up that once saw them in the top flight of the English game, but also saw them needing come back up from level 10 when things were not all going to plan.
The travelling supporters were also looking forward to an entertaining game to justify the £5.00 entry fee and were not to be disappointed. Lions started the better of the sides and it seemed as if the pattern of the game was to be set in the first 5 minutes as Olney hadn’t touched the ball before Lions prop Edward Herring scored the first try after some strong runs from the backs and drives from the pack. Olney were finding things hard against a heavier pack and despite going backwards the back row of Cahill, Robinson and Meiland were clearing up well and when in possession the backs looked lively and capable of gaining ground. It was no surprise then to see them pressing hard in the Lions 22 and after a spell of pressure a high tackle on Josh Meadows allowed Ollie Betteridge a shot at goal. This managed to bounce off both posts and back in play but Olney followed up and kept the ball long enough for Lions to concede another penalty which this time was converted, narrowing the score to 5-3. From the kick off Olney conceded a penalty themselves for holding on the floor which gave Lions the chance to extend their lead to 8-3. The sides were fairly evenly matched going into half time and strong running coupled with solid defence from both sides kept the crowd entertained as was hoped.
The second half didn’t start well for Olney. Lions had the bulk of possession and, as in the first half, made it tell when after several phases and pressure on the Olney line the defence eventually cracked and a converted try extended the lead to 15-3. What happened soon after was also not in the script when, after seemingly knocking the ball forward in the lineout, Lions collected the ball and slipped through the tackles for another converted try. 22-3. As has been the case all season though Olney were not about to give in and indeed were the better side for the latter stages of the match. After pressing hard in the 22, a tapped penalty caught Lions on the turn and allowed Stu Livesey to find a gap to score on the left with Betteridge converting. Olney then had to do a bit of reshuffling due to injuries and a yellow card to Mike Chapman but this was cancelled out with a Lions player also in the bin. Sustained pressure from the pack eventually gave stand in scrum half Noddy Deighton the chance to whip a quick ball out right to Livesey who found Ben Duke with space on the wing to dot down in the corner. With the score 22-15 there was not much time left Olney were still looking to score but Lions were happy to just run the ball into touch on the last play to secure the victory.
This was another day when all players stepped up and gave a performance worthy of a team who could be a few places higher than the current league position they are at. It can only be a matter of time when results go their way.