Derby Women vs Olney Ladies

Olney Ladies put in a top class performance against high flying opposition on the Derby mudflats this afternoon. A 44-21 final scoreline really did not do the #PinkLadies justice as they played some top class rugby in an entertaining and very competitive game.
In uncharacteristic fashion Olney started off well and put the home team under pressure for a 10 minute period which resulted in a dart for the line from returning centre, Sophie Jeffery.

In an even first half Derby struck back quickly for a converted try of their own to make the score 7-7 and then after a period of sustained Olney pressure a breakaway from a tackle close to the Derby line resulted in a home team try against the run of play. The home team finished the half strongly to dot down again for an unconverted try to make the half time score a slightly uneven 19-7 to the Derby team.
The 2nd half didn’t start well for Olney as the gather from the kick off was deemed a knock on and from the resulting scrum Derby worked the space to score a converted try.

The Pink Ladies didn’t capitulate, camping on the opposition 22 and Jennie Miles squeezed over for yet another try which she duly converted. The 2nd half continued in end to end fashion - another try for Derby followed by another for Olney after yet another period of multiple phases when Natasha Howe smashed over for a try, well deserved given her top class front row performance. That was to be it for Olney as although the game continued from end to end they just couldn’t get the scores that their performance deserved whilst Deby managed another try book ended by 2 penalties for a final score of 44-21.

The Olney pack were magnificent throughout as were the running lines from the backs and the whole defensive effort. Most of the opposition tries came from broken play and the fact that they decided to kick 2 penalties in the Olney 22 showed that the teams defence was solid.

Everyone deserves a mention today but Players of the match Naomi Leicester in the forwards and Scarlet Donne in the backs took the plaudits but particular thanks to Leanne, Emma and Dannii from Ashfield Rugby Club for helping out today - great game ladies.

#TheOlneyWay