Olney 36 - Walcot 26
With all to play for in the lower half of the league, Saturday was a must win game for the home side, and despite the cold wind the sun shone through for Olney. With Winger, Chris Small scoring on his first touch of the ball after a break in midfield by Number Eight, Charlie Belcher and quick hands in the backs out to Small using pace to score, though this was not converted. After numerous penalties were awarded to both teams for players being repeatedly offside, it was Olney again who benefited after Fly Half, James Hawken kicked for territiory and from their lineout the ball was spun out to Centre, James Padfield who spotted a gap and scored the second try, which James Hawken converted extending Olney’s lead to 12-0.
With Olney’s Flankers, Adam Kelsall and Tom Stanton working hard and turning over possession providing the backs with ball it was pleasing to see Stanton rewarded in scoring a try himself after linking with the backs and chipping on over the line to score between the posts which Hawken again converted extending the home sides lead to 19-0. Though just before the half time break Walcots Winger scored a break away try after Olney were caught napping in defence, which was converted taking the half time score to 19-7.
The second half saw the visitors turn their game to a more aggressive game using their big forwards where possible, though Olney were keen to extend their lead and Hawken scored a fine try after jinking through a gap in the Walcot defence to score under the posts and then converted taking the score to 26-7. After a slight break in play with players from either side taking a strong disliking to one another, an unintentional high tackle from an Olney player lead to a Walcot player retaliating unnecessarily resulting in Olney’s Second Row, Mark Lay and Walcots second row being sin binned for their contribution.
With both teams down to fourteen men, it was Olney who appeared to take control of the game with Centre James Padfield scoring once again after kicking on a loose ball, which James Hawken converted taking the score to 36-7. Though with Walcot giving there all to get into the scoring they were awarded a deserved try after some hard work by their forwards, and converted brining the score to 36-14.
The binned players returned to their respective teams and with not too long left on the clock, Olney appeared to have a comfortable lead on the visitors. Therefore it was disappointing to see such a huge lapse in Olney’s defence in allowing two converted tries within minutes of each other bringing the final score to 36-26. A good home win though the score was not a great reflection of the game.
Olney travel away to Marlow this coming Saturday which is sure to be a tough fixture, and one which players should commit themselves to training in preparation. Appreciation as always to Olney’s touch judge Nick Deighton.
Tries; C Small, J Padfield x2, J Hawken, T Stanton
Con; J Hawken x4
Pens; J Hawken x1
Man of the match was deservedly awarded to James Hawken.
