Olney 15 - Witney 23
With both sides having a mixed bag of results this season, the Olney side were looking for another home win, though expected nothing less than tough competition from Witney, with their strong pack.
It was the visitors who made their mark early into the game scoring two tries in quick succession in the first ten minutes, one of which was converted. Olney managed to get onto the score board with a penalty converted by Full Back, Jordan Letts taking the score to 3-12. The game continued with the visitors dictating play and keeping Olney pinned back in their half. Olney looked more involved and held firm in defence, not allowing Witney over the gain line. Disappointingly, Olney only made it into the attacking half of the field a handful of times in the first half of the game, and allowed a couple of valuable missed opportunities. With Witney converting a penalty just before the break the half time score remained with the visitors in front 3-15.
The second half commenced with the home side looking more fired up, and with some superb work by back row, Gareth Cahill. Witney soon lost their Fly Half to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, and Olney used the overlap to gain territory, but once again, failed to finish off some great work with tries....until Captain, Chris Parnham spotted a gap and scored Olney’s first try of the afternoon. This was not converted taking the score to 8-18 as Witney had converted another penalty shortly before hand.
Olney took several quick tap penalties and Second Row, Liam Lancaster and Prop, Mo Ormesher were influential in making strong runs, looking certain to score, but this time Olney punished themselves by giving away a penalty with a player coming in from the side at the ruck only yards out from the try line. With Witney having their Fly Half back on, it was Olney who lost their Fly Half, Dave Smith to a yellow after too much unwanted communication with the referee.
Olney were awarded a penalty try which was converted, after persistent infringements by the Witney side. This took the score to 15-23, a disappointing loss for the home side, but will make the away trip in April all the more to play for.
Olney travel away to High Wycombe this Saturday for a double header, with their league game and the semi final of the Bucks Cup being played for. The bus leaves Olney at 11.30am and supporters are encouraged to attend. (Olney beat High Wycombe at home 31-18).
Tries; C Parnham (Capt) Pen try.
Con; J Letts x1
Pen; J Letts x1
