On this wet and windy day when storm Dennis put paid to most of the scheduled games in the region, credit must go to those who ensured this fixture was played. On the occasion of the 40th birthday celebrations of club stalwart Dave Smith and the fact that Lutterworth had brought with them 2 teams and a coach load of support, the atmosphere in the clubhouse was buoyant and the crowd eagerly awaited a good game of rugby.

Olney started the game against the wind and showed good intent with the ball in hand but were guilty of losing the ball in the tackle on occasions when hit by the considerable bulk of the Lutterworth forwards. However it was the home side who first lit up the scoreboard. Noddy Deighton, who was looking sharp in the early stages, appeared in the line to make good ground feeding Stu Livesey who in turn passed to Struan Brooks who crossed for the first try. Lutterworth responded with a period of pressure in the Olney 22 but good defence kept them at bay. Despite Olney having the better of the exchanges for the majority of the half, it was the heavier Lutterworth pack who eventually crossed the line with a pushover try, well converted in the conditions to put them slightly ahead at 5-7.

The second half saw one or two changes with Harry James on for the injured Deighton, Sven Meiland and Harry Sturley on in the pack. The Olney forwards were competing well, particularly Chris Caswell and Will Simpson but unfortunately the damp conditions were now dictating the nature of the game and Lutterworth seemed to have adapted better. It was them who scored next when collecting the ball after some loose play they were able to slide in for their second try. Some indecision in their own 22 led to another try when Olney were unable to get the kick in to clear the ball upfield. A knock-on gave Lutterworth the put in at the scrum resulting in the drive over from short range. A bit of sloppy tackling in the wet allowed Lutterworth to score their bonus point try wide on the left taking the score to 5-22. Well done to Lutterworth who were probably victors on the day because they made fewer mistakes in the increasingly gloomy and wet conditions. Well done to the hardy souls who braved the elements and well done to Bash and Di for providing much welcome teas and coffees from the hut.

The clubhouse was warm and welcoming afterwards despite the loss and the travelling Lutterworth support left having been well fed and watered. Olney now have a week off to prepare for the next match away at Market Harborough. Hopes are still high and league positions are not yet finalised so there are still games to be won to ensure rugby at this level next season. A short report this week as we didn’t get any snippets of information or words of wisdom from the hookers Mum!