Olney v Leicester Forest - 6th April 2024

For the last league fixture of the season we welcomed Leicester Forest to East Street with both sides keen to finish the campaign with a flourish despite the result not being crucial to relegation or promotion. Today’s game was sponsored by our mini and junior section which continues to thrive and is the future of the club. We learned this week Mr Harris mentioned that he had a bit of a crush on Beyonce to which Mrs Harris said “whatever floats your boat”, which confused him somewhat because that’s buoyancy. He was also left slightly wondering a couple of days ago when he saw a sign saying “Do not touch” which was written underneath in braille!

On a blustery day with the sunshine making a pleasant break from the rain of late, Olney kicked off with the wind behind them hoping to take advantage of the conditions early on. Indeed after 10 minutes they claimed the first score when a move down the right resulted in Mac Kitchener finishing well in the corner. Forest seemed to be having more success keeping the play a little tighter and gained good ground through their forwards on several occasions to put the home side under pressure. However, Olney pushed ahead with their expansive game and forced a 5m scrum from which captain Eddie Goss picked up from the base to give Ethan Chambers enough space to dart over. Kitchener added a third following a fine handling move by the backs, this one converted well by Dave Simpson. A yellow card for Gareth Cahill was possibly a reason Forest were able to force their way over late in the half as they made the most of the extra man. Half-time score 17-7.

Against the wind Olney had to keep the ball in their hands and continue the running game. They attacked well but occasionally the passes which normally would have stuck didn’t and the move broke down. Forest made use of the wind with some fine kicking from their fly-half and when in the Olney 22 their forwards always looked dangerous so it was no surprise when they drove over for the try. A red card for a bit of petulance saw Forest reduced to 14 and this time it was Olney who exploited the space and good support with interplay between backs and forwards resulted in Cahill dotting down for a fine team try. The open style of play was rewarded again shortly after when Kieran Perkins scored on the left side following some direct and rapid running by the home side. The Forest lads were far from out though and forced a penalty try for collapsing a maul. With the game nearing the final whistle, Forest drove over for another try taking them to within a score and a bonus point for the afternoon. Final score 29-26 to Olney. A good result for the boys in Cerise and French Grey and an excellent game of rugby watched by an appreciative crowd. Steve said he enjoyed it!

Without mentioning names as there are probably too many, thanks should go to all players, coaches, sponsors, physios, managers, chefs, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to a successful year both on and off the pitch. Sixth place and in the top half of a league which produced some difficult fixtures is a good ending to our league season and the club should be proud of the young squad who will undoubtedly improve with age. Don’t forget the cup finals later in the month.

Single man Plod Soman has been to the coast for his latest dating episode where he met a young lady who worked on a trawler and had a tattoo of a large shell on her thigh. Apparently if you put your ear to it you could smell the sea.

This will be the last match report for a while so this reporter will thank the person who reads these for doing so. It may be different next season as he is running out of false names and stories about the Soman and Harris households so he may be forced into retirement unless something drastic happens. Again, it should be stated that not all is factual, even what happened in the game and no offence is intended (although occasionally words were held back!). We would like to know that more than just that one person reads the reports so once you have read it please indicate that you have done so somehow on the social media or wherever. Thanks again and here’s looking forward to next season.