Another road trip for the Olney side which this week saw a couple of positional and personnel changes, but with enough strength within the club this still looked just as strong a team as in previous matches so far this season. Oakham have traditionally given us a warm welcome when visiting and this time was no exception with a good home crowd following a former players lunch. On a glorious autumn afternoon, expectations were high for an entertaining game.

The entertainment was immediate from the kick off with Olney receiving the ball, Sven Meiland quickly fed Elliot Simpson who flicked it out to Ash Elvers who dashed along the left touchline for a try after less than a minute. Soon after this, Samir Ali Mohamed was the last man in a move that had seen the ball go back and forth across the pitch, stretching the defence to give him a run in to the corner. 10 – 0 up after seven minutes. Oakham then decided to play Olney at their own game and some good running rugby got them as far as the 22 when the full back came through on the burst to score. Olney then replied in the favoured left corner (must be something to do with the camera there!) when Simpson, Elvers and Phil Boden combined with Bowden finishing the move.

When Oakham were attacking the Olney line shortly after this, a high tackle from Cobie Chapman was worthy of a yellow card and the home side chose the scrum. Against the depleted pack, the pressure proved a little too much and a second yellow ensued for prop Josh Lawson. What then followed was the inevitable pushover try from close range to narrow the gap again to just one score. Olney had to keep the ball away from the Oakham pack until up to full strength and when next in the red zone, Olney moved quick ball away from a mistake at the breakdown giving Bowden a sight of the line. He was just held short but quick thinking from scrum half Ethan Chambers gave Olney their bonus point try when dotting down from short range. In a see saw 10 minutes Oakham made use of the numbers advantage and duly scored from a lineout keeping the scores close. The final minutes of the half, with Olney back to 15 men allowed them just to gain the upper hand and it was Bowden again who finished off a fine backs run from deep when he rounded the final defender to score under the posts. Half time 15-29.

The second half appeared to be of the same pattern with both sides intent on attacking rugby. Oakham using their strong runners to good effect but not able to execute the final pass or stopped by some good defending from the cerise and grey army, well led by captain Gareth Cahill. The Olney backs were making inroads on several occasions though and when supported by the forwards, quick ball kept up the momentum and it was Bowden again who scored wide on the left. (Jeff and his camera also moved ends at half time!). A fine conversion from Jacob DeMain widened the scoreline to a comfortable lead for the first time at 15-36. Elvers showed considerable strength for the next score after some close interplay, again right in front of the camera. Olney were later involved in a bit of indiscipline when giving away a penalty try after Oakham had worked their way well to the goal line.

A few changes to bring on some fresh legs didn’t affect the Olney game plan and they were soon back into Oakham territory and a quick penalty caught the defence unawares to give Elvers his third try, this time under the posts. Another followed after a clearing kick to the Oakham 22 was well chased. An unfortunate knock on was pounced on by hooker Will Eccleston who dodged and weaved his way to the line for a wonderful individual try. Next score came from a successful scrum on half way which was passed right to Struan Brooks who opened his legs and showed them what he’s got to beat the chasers to the line. The final score of the day came from Bowden again after more of the same classy running by the back division. Final score 22-69, which wasn’t as one sided as it may suggest and Oakham were formidable opponents, but the pace and support throughout the Olney side just proved to be the telling factor.

A nice gesture from the players who showed their appreciation for the travelling support by coming to the touchline to personally thank them for venturing to the far reaches of Rutland. Another touching family story was circulating this week regarding the Harris family. Apparently the offspring have moved into their own house so Mr and Mrs Harris are looking forward to snuggling up on the sofa for some romantic nights in. We wish them well.