The saying goes “Time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like a banana” and it seems as if the season has arrived all too quickly. With coaching going well over the summer and the enthusiasm of the players there is no doubt we would be ready from the first whistle. This year’s reports, as ever, will pick out various highlights of the matches and probably be economical with the truth on occasions so numerous people will get a mention whether they want it or not. We look forward to the escapades from the usual suspects and words of wisdom from the legendary Steve Howson. No offence is ever intended but as was heard earlier in the year…..No one ever died from being offended!

For our first match we entertained Peterborough, a side we have had mixed fortunes against in previous years but with our young side and attacking style, the confidence was high from players and supporters alike. With some new faces and some welcome returning ones the Olney side looked good on paper but the game is played on grass and after a few minutes 'Boro had the first points on the board after a decent passage of play and a fine finish from their fly half who also added the conversion. A penalty extended their lead shortly after. Olney closed the gap with their first real attack when Rob Morgan barged his way over after strong work from the pack. Steve says could we find the kicking tee please! 'Boro breached the defence once more to score wide on the right and with our new defence coach, Heath Stevens looking on, he will have been taking notes for the half time talk. Towards the end of the half Olney were on the attack and looking as if the try was on, but the ball was lost and 'Boro collected the loose ball and ran the length to add a converted try and take the score to 22-5 in their favour at the break.

A Charlie Hicks penalty started the scoring in the second half followed by a passage of play close to the line which resulted in a try for Ewan Fuller. The half time talk seemed to be working! Some strong running and a fine finish wide on the left by Mackenzie Ewing followed by an excellent Hicks conversion levelled the score at 22 apiece. Olney looked good in their next attack but a slight mix up allowed 'Boro to pick up on the error and again sprint in from distance and take the lead. Another Hicks penalty kept Olney within a few points but 'Boro had the next try when a scrum 15m from the line was won and picked up at the base by their number 8 who fended off the tackles to dot down under the posts.

Score now at 36-25 to the visitors and all to play for. What happened in the latter stages was what Olney do best. It appeared that they upped the pace somewhat and attacked from any opportunity to put 'Boro on the back foot. A turnover by skipper Eddie Goss and the ball quickly along the line led to a score wide out for Hicks. Some excellent handling and interplay within the forwards and backs gave Ethan Chambers his chance which he took well to score close to the posts. A further attack at pace split the defensive line open and Goss was on hand to provide the finish. 19 unanswered points at this stage were just too much for 'Boro and took the score to 44-36 at full time.

By no means an easy game and Peterborough will be pleased with their bonus point and looked capable of winning at several points in the match but credit to the Olney boys who ran out worthy winners. Some good performances by individuals who we don’t normally like to single out in a great team effort but we hope that Cobie Chapman and Charles Rylands stay fit and play as well as they did today for the rest of the season.

Apparently a gang of shoplifters have been in town and have been systematically stealing clothes in order of size. Police believe they are still at large. And while on the subject of policing, it was noted they are recruiting for new riot control officers. Interviews are at 9.00am on Monday but they are advising to arrive early to beat the crowd.