Olney made the short trip to Northants club Bugbrooke where over the years a win has usually been hard to come by and with conditions being cold damp and windy, this would probably be the case again today. There will be a few reading this who can remember playing there and achieving a 0-0 draw! A good number of hardy souls were on the touchline to cheer on the boys in cerise but possibly not expecting the feast of running rugby which has been seen in previous matches this season.

Olney played the first half against the elements and the slope and it was clear from the start that Bugbrooke were going to take the game to them. Early exchanges took place mainly in the Olney 22 but the defence held firm on numerous occasions to keep the scoreboard to nothing. Attempts to run from defence were thwarted so Olney eventually had to kick their way up the park for territory. This eventually paid off when the backs took the chance to see space and some slick handling allowed winger Chris Duck enough room to dot down in the corner for the first try. Bugbrooke didn’t sit back however and were a force to be reckoned with, pressurising the away side into turnovers and penalties, all of which were celebrated a little over enthusiastically. Olney still had to defend for lengthy periods but again held out well and eventually did gain enough possession to break clear with Jacob DeMain’s touchline run up to 5m from the line unfortunately not resulting in a try when the final pass just missed its target. Not much further action in the first half left the score at 0-5 at the break.

Olney had conditions in their favour now and made the most of them early on with some good pressure around the 22. DeMain was alert to a flat line when he threaded a neat kick behind for winger Marcus Goss to collect and dive in at the corner, despite the protestations from the crowd and coaches as the try was given. (Credit to the Bugbrooke players who said there was nothing to indicate that it wasn’t a try). A fine conversion by DeMain increased the lead. Bugbrooke still threatened and had another extended spell in the Olney 22 but only came away with 3 points from a penalty. Back at the other end Olney added to their score when just about everyone had a hand in creating the try for Goss who popped up for the final ball. Samir Ali Mohamed even claimed he had a small part but we’ve seen the photos and it’s something we already knew. The latter stages of the game saw Olney camped on their own line once again but still the defence held firm and eventually they emerged as victors with the final score of 3-19.

It should be mentioned at this stage that the 2nd team also played here and were on the exposed plains where the temperature was 5 degrees colder and the wind 10mph faster. They won 36-7 so well done to them.

As with the first thoughts, Bugbrooke is never an easy place to secure a win and this was a hard fought result to keep Olney at the top of the table. Well done to all teams on a cold and miserable afternoon when most of the travelling fans were looking forward to a night in front of the fire. Speaking of which, we know Mr and Mrs Harris enjoy snuggling up on the sofa watching a good drama series. Mr Harris mentioned that the BBC were making a new drama series about aeroplane hijacking. ” When is that coming to our screens?” Enquired Mrs Harris. To which came the reply…..”I don’t know but they’re shooting the pilot next week!”