This week we welcomed Leicester Forest, who we haven’t met for a few years and for the uninitiated they are not based at a service station on the M1. Having seen some of their results this season, we knew this would not be an easy fixture as they are riding high towards the top of the league.

On to the game. In decidedly chilly and blustery conditions it was the away side who appeared to have the upper hand from the start and kept the ball for lengthy spells, not allowing Olney the chance to do much except give away the odd penalty or two. A couple of these penalties resulted in chances to kick for points, but despite the kicks appearing relatively easy, the scores remained level. The defence was still being tested by the well organised Forest side who had a game plan which was working well, but pressure told and on 20 minutes a penalty and a change of kicker put forest 3-0 up. Shortly after, a run from Struan Brooks was halted by a high tackle and yellow card. The penalty from this allowed a kick to touch and from winning the lineout Olney put the ball through the hands for a couple of phases to stretch the defence then Alex Hales was on the end of the final pass to beat 4 men with a couple of sidesteps and sprint in from 30 metres. He didn’t really but it will make him feel better if he reads this. Ewan Fuller with the conversion and 7-3 to Olney. The further exchanges saw both sides cancelling each other out with good defending and allowing little chance to run. The final play of the half was a penalty to Olney in their own 22. For reasons which are still under discussion, a quick tap was not hoofed into touch but saw an attempt to run their way out. Unfortunately the Forest centre was aware and took the gamble to intercept the pass which paid off when he grabbed his chance and scored. Try converted and 7-10 at the break.

The second half mirrored the first apart from the fact it was Olney who were spending most of the time in the Forest end of the field. Several scrums and close encounters gave the forwards plenty of time to get to know each other and the Forest front row must have thought they had walked into the auditions for the live version of the children’s pop up game Guess Who, having faced up to Olney’s two props. It was Forest who were finding it difficult to gain territory when in possession with some aggressive tackling holding them well into their 22 and forcing kicks to gain any ground. Having finally worked their way up field they were soon behind the goal line after a run from the backs saw Struan Brooks release winger Phil Bowden who just managed to touch the ball down as he was tackled on the line for the try. (Surely Jeff’s photos will confirm it!). More of the same ensued with both sides looking for the win but the defences were still holding firm and another score would be hard to find. The last play of the game was a penalty to Olney and it came as no surprise when a quick tap was duly hoofed into touch. Final score 12-10. Despite the seemingly low score line, this was an entertaining game by two committed sides who will relish the return fixture later in the season. Well done to all concerned including Fraser and DBF construction for sponsoring the match, Basher and Di again for welcome hot drinks and all the steadfast supporters who stuck it out until the end.

Another good day for the club today with the 2nds winning 41-19 away at Towcestrians and the 3rds winning 36-0 at Bedford Swifts.

With the festive season approaching, the Harris household was getting into the Christmas spirit with all their decorations adorning the walls and windows. Mr Harris was surprised on returning from a shopping trip to be told by Mrs Harris that the tree was all sorted too. “Did you put it up yourself?” He asked. To which the reply was “No, I put it in the living room next to the television!” Also this week we have a little tip for the insomniacs out there. Just keep edging as close to the edge of the bed as you can, soon you’ll drop off.