Olney Colts Dig Deep to Secure National Colts Cup Final Spot with Thrilling Comeback Win
Whitchurch RFC 18-22 Olney Colts

Olney Colts produced a performance of immense grit and resilience to book their place in the National Colts Cup final, overcoming an early deficit to claim a dramatic 22-18 victory away at Whitchurch RFC.

The semi-final clash started in the worst possible fashion for Olney, as Whitchurch flew out of the blocks, capitalising on early pressure to race into a 10-0 lead within the opening five minutes. The hosts, buoyed by a vocal home crowd, plus a fair wind, punished a sloppy and sleepy Olney early into the first half.

However, Olney refused to panic. Settling into their rhythm, they began to impose themselves on the contest, tightening up defensively and working their way up the field with controlled phases. A huge carry from Charlie Down quickly followed up by the skipper Max Innes and man mountain Monty Lee saw their efforts soon rewarded with a well-worked try from a strike play, Beau Stenson running the dummy line for Max Innes to hit a flying Charlie Sales with a lovely flat pass, cutting the deficit and swinging momentum in Olney’s favour 10 - 7.

The pressure built again through some excellent scrummaging from Olney - at one point Henry Walker lifted and pressed the Whitchurch tight-head like he had roller skates on. Olney by this time were camped again in the Whitchurch half turning the screw ever tighter. Again a strike move followed, and the ball found a hungry Justin Fasanya on the wing who flew in to score again for Olney. That took Olney to 12 - 10 By half-time, Olney had battled back to take the lead, showing their attacking intent and defensive steel to turn the tide.

But Whitchurch, determined to protect their unbeaten home record, responded in the second half. A tense and physical battle ensued, with both teams testing each other at the breakdown and in the set-piece. Olney however had a different idea how about we defend like a brick wall. Constant hits from Charlie Constantine, Ronan Perkins, Jack Mumberson and being chased down by Dylan French and Joe German just halted Whitchurch time and time again. Slowly but surely Olney started to force the Whitchurch players back. This time Rafe Willmer with a great defence read and hit – knock on scrum penalty to Olney, big carries again by Max Innes, Connor Wright and Will Light taking a whack to the head. Another penalty to Olney now deep in the oppos half. Step up Beau Stenson kick to the corner and a great platform for Olney to attack from the lineout. Perfectly executed line out with a catch maul with Ferdi Barnett-Vincent in total control he cleverly slips the ball to Sammy Inman 1m out who scores in the left-hand corner. Olney 17 – 10.

With the game on a knife-edge, the Whitchurch restart wobbled a little as the balls was put out on the full. However, they won the resulting scrum and then Olney concede a further pen due to some over vigorous defending. A really nice strike play from the Whitchurch line-out put Olney again under the cosh deep into their 22m.Whitchurch edging ever so closer to the try line albeit with some tough defence from Jack Leach and the rest of the Olney pack. The pressure built and a penalty in front of the sticks was given away by a locked in Olney player. The Whitchurch fly half kicked it easily over the posts to setup it up at 17 – 13 for the last 20 mins.

From the kick-off the Whitchurch number 8 Harvey Leonard carried hard and on this day was by far their best player, however the supporting carrier knocked on and another scrum was set, Olney quite clearly the stronger of the two sides at scrummaging pushed hard however the referee had other ideas and decided to now take both sets of front rowers to the side for a tongue lashing. Olney now wanting to throw the ball around a little too much rather than sticking the ball in behind ended up piling on a bit too much pressure on themselves which resulted in a good turnover again – yes you guessed it the Whitchurch number 8. This provided Whitchurch with a strong platform to attack from and they struck again to edge back in front at 18-17, setting up a grandstand finish. But Olney, as they had done throughout their cup run, showed remarkable grit under pressure. Digging deep, they worked their way into Whitchurch territory and, with time running out, Ferdi Barnett-Vincent produced a decisive & strong score to reclaim the lead at 22-18.

The final minutes were a test of nerve and discipline, but Olney held firm, repelling a last-ditch Whitchurch onslaught to seal a famous victory. The celebrations at the final whistle reflected the significance of the win – a testament to the squad’s belief, fitness, and never-say-die attitude.
Chris Denoven Head Coach said post-match – “I have asked the lads to believe in themselves time and time again during this competition and once again they have done that. The character & grit they have shown here today against a really super strong opposition is just unreal – I really do doff my cap to this wonderful group of young men. Plus, a huge thanks to everyone who came up from Olney to support the lads today”.

Olney Colts now march on to the National Colts Cup final, carrying with them the confidence of a side that knows how to win when it matters most.

Scorers:
Olney RFC Colts
Tries – Charlie Sales, Justin Fasanya, Sammy Inman & Ferdi Barnett-Vincent
Conversions – Beau Stenson (1).

Click here for a few pics of the day