Two months into the season and the first home game on Doff’s Field. With the pitch looking in superb condition, the side having not lost in the league so far and with a large crowd gathered on the occasion of the Dave Adams memorial, an entertaining game was surely on the cards. The term legend is often over used in this day and age but in the history of Olney RFC, the man Dave Adams could be described as such. Ever present for more years than most can remember he certainly did his bit and helped to shape the club into what it is today.

On a bright but breezy afternoon, Olney kicked off and soon the intentions were clear….stick to what has worked well so far this season, play a very open game and run the ball at the opportune moments. This paid off within the first five minutes when Eddie Goss was in support wide on the left after the backs had made good ground and he ran round to score under the posts. St Ives forwards had good spells of possession and their backs tried to run from close to their line but pressure in the 22 meant the kick to clear was the only option. The kick gave the Olney backs the chance to run again at the defence and winger Phil Bowden looped round to collect the final pass for the second try which was again converted by Elliot Simpson taking the score to 14-0.
The try-fest continued when Ash Elvers added his name to the scoresheet and the winger who may get a mention in the future because he asked so nicely also bagged another try securing the bonus point on 20 minutes. A missed touch gathered by Alex Hales was duly ran back and then fed to full back Struan Brooks who, in turn found Will Ecclestone arriving at pace on his shoulder, this pace ensuring he could beat the chasers to score under the posts. More direct and elusive running with excellent support gave Harvey Dunn a sight of the line and he wasn’t one to waste the opportunity. Brooks again dotted down on the right and the final try of the half came from Ewan Fuller following a little bit of slack tackling. Simpson successful with the boot for 6 of the 8 first half tries and the sides turned round with Olney 52 – 0 to the good.

The second half continued in much the same fashion. Not that St Ives are a bad side by any means as the score possibly suggested, just that Olney had got their tails up and in the scoring habit. Scrum half Dan White found a gap near the base of a ruck to snipe over for his debut score followed shortly by another try, this time for prop Josh Lawson after a thundering run, much to the delight of the home crowd. More quick handling and Brooks was again adding to the tally with his third of the day. Stu Livesey joined the list of scorers being on hand when that winger again (think we overheard someone call him Mucus but we’ll get it right for next week) held off his man and delivered the inside pass. Dunn claimed his second of the day after Charlie Harris fought hard for a turnover on the St Ives goal line then found Dunn on the charge. The game wasn’t as one sided as it may seem from the score and St Ives did enjoy good spells with the ball and had some strong runners but the Olney defence held firm at every challenge. Olney continued to run from deep and Bowden showed his pace once more when faced with just the full back in front of him and duly beat his man for the score. The final act of the match was an interception by Livesey, again resulting in a try under the posts. 7 tries and 4 conversions in the half took the final score to 95 – 0.

A good day for Olney on and off the pitch with a lot of former players and supporters who are unable to travel to away matches suitably impressed by what they had just witnessed. There will certainly be harder games to come as the season progresses but it’s nice to enjoy winning in style as happened today.
Another tale from the Harris household was circulating in the clubhouse. Apparently a couple of weeks ago Mrs Harris overheard Mr Harris in conversation with a few friends and he informed them that later on at home they were having a Bruce Lee night. What he didn’t bank on was Mrs Harris knowing the name of Bruce’s most famous martial arts film. Hope he enjoyed being locked out again!

More photos here - Thank to Jeff Bowden