With last minute injuries Olney travelled to Coalville with what to them has become a regular number of 14 players. It was however, despite the lack of numbers, a strong looking side for their penultimate game of the year.

In damp conditions and on a boggy pitch the ladies started off how they finished last week’s match. Great defensive from the forwards kept Coalville out as the hosts launched an early offensive. With great control Olney eventually managed to work their way up the field. With quick hands through the back winger Marnie Warlow was able to sprint round the outside to score the first try. This was converted by Jennie Miles to give the Pink Ladies a 7-0 lead after 12 minutes

Coalville hit back with some great attacking play, but big tackles forward of the match Hannah Collier prevented anything coming from this. It wasn’t long before the ball was back in the hands of Olney and with great runs coming from Charlie Wood and back of the match Lucie-Liane Duchesne, the visitors were able to camp in the Coalville half. However slow ball from the rucks meant Coalville were able to steal back possession and clear their lines. With conditions poor (a bit like the smelly welly pitch) the ladies had to work really hard to win the ball back and good pressure from Olney’s Bobby Jenkins lead to Coalville mistakes and a penalty for Olney. The backs quickly organised themselves and the ball was quickly released through the hands to number 12 Jen Miles who with a little show and go went over to score Olney’s 2nd try but just missed the conversion. Olney continued to press from the re-start but were denied by strong Coalville defence and the half time whistle blew with Olney 12-0 in front.

Olney started the second half strongly with good attacking play from Silvia Arpano (who as normal had an absolute stormer). Great support play by Jen Micklewright and Hannah Breen kept Olney in possession. Coalville gave away a penalty for being offside which led to a great run by Breen who took it in for Jenkins to then find a gap and power through to score Olney’s 3rd try Miles once again narrowly missed the conversion.
Coalville hit back after the restart with some good runs down the hill putting Olney’s defence to the test. Big tackles again coming from Duchense, Wood and Arpano meant Coalville just couldn’t get through to get over the try line. As the game entered its final phase Olney continued to defend ferociously, despite tired legs in the heavy conditions and were determined to keep the home side out which they duly did.
After 80 minutes of hard work Olney managed to nil the opposition with what has to be the best performance of the season so far. Outstanding play by all who took to the pitch in the Cerise and French Grey.

Final score Olney 17 Coalville 0

The ladies last game before Christmas is away to West Norfolk on the 8th December. With a coach trip on the cards the ladies would love some of you to come along and support