This week’s guest reporter: Jenny Tulwortz

The first week of the league campaign began with Olney making the short trip to Northampton Casuals in their Centenary year so well done to them for reaching that milestone. The President and Chairman were wined and dined prior to the match and we will surely return the favour in the home fixture.

On a hot day and a dry pitch, it should have suited the style of play the coaches were hoping for in the pre-season training and it soon became evident that this was to be the case with Olney running hard and fast at the defence. After a penalty kicked for an attacking lineout gave Olney clean possession, two quick phases then swiftly along the backs allowed Phil Bowden the chance to round his opposite number for the first score. Sven Meiland and his fellow back rowers Eddie Goss and Gareth Cahill were marauding round the park and clearing up any loose ball and it came as no surprise when, from a ruck, the ball was fed quickly to Elliot Simpson who found Ash Elvers with a long pass who then beat the defence for the try. More of the same followed when a quick lineout in the Olney half gave the backs a sight of a run from deep with Bowden again beating the first tackle then a one on one with the full back just a formality to run in under the posts for his second of the day.

The Olney forwards were also playing their part, restricting the Casuals pack in the drives and forcing the kick up field when not much progress was being made. Fortunately this played into the hands of the Olney backs and after a chip over the top from Elvers, Struan Brooks won the footrace to dot down close to the posts. They were at it again on the stroke of half time when simple passing created an overlap for Bowden to complete his hat-trick. Simpson was successful with the boot on all but one of these tries making the half time score 33-0 in favour of the away side.

Half time allowed a few changes to both sides with players needing a break from the heat and to bring on some new energy. Initially the refreshed Casuals pack had the upper hand, keeping the ball for a considerable period in the Olney 22. Again the defence held firm and eventually worked a way clear to set up another attacking chance for the back division then a classic inside pass to Elvers gave him space for the run in. Mid way through the half an unfortunate missed touch kick from Casuals found Bowden who started a move involving several players, culminating with Cahill, who had been loitering on the right wing for his moment of glory, galloping round under the posts. One or two handling errors from both sides were a feature for a few minutes and Casuals seized on an opportunity to score themselves when their centre touched down wide on the right. A fine conversion took the score to 7-45. In the latter stages of the match a long high kick was fielded by Meiland who added his name to the scoresheet with Simpson converting. An unfortunate injury to a Casuals forward occurred at the last minute of a hard game on harder ground. We wish him well. The referee blew for no side and it was mission accomplished for the Olney lads. Final score 7-52.

One player should get a mention as he spent a while chatting to the travelling supporters (he should concentrate on the game!) and said he likes reading the match reports. This came as a bit of a surprise as no-one realised he could read. His name: Marcus Goss. Never to be mentioned again.

All in all a good day on the road. However, there will be no basking in glory as it’s a long season and there will be many hard games to come. We must also congratulate the second team who won convincingly and there will be plenty of competition for places with many looking for first team rugby in the upcoming fixtures. Thirds and Colts also finished victorious so a successful day for the club overall.