This week’s guest reporter: Mustapha Leak

Olney made the short trip to Old Scouts for one of those joyous Friday night fixtures which we all love so much. A number of supporters made their way over the border, some get dizzy when they get past the end of Yardley Road so chose to stay home in the warm. With Scouts sitting close to the top of the table we knew it would be no easy task to return with a victory. Apologies in advance if some of the match details are a bit sketchy but this reporter is not usually allowed out after dark and his eyesight is not that good either.

On a distinctly cold and damp evening, Scouts kicked off with the elements in their favour and spent several minutes in the Olney half. Their playing squad is settled, well drilled and forced a few penalties from the Olney defence in positions that mattered which eventually led to a try wide on the left. When Olney did attack they were stopped either by strong tackling or the odd mistake and Scouts were able to kick their way out of trouble. Scouts added to the score following a 5m scrum and a rehearsed move in the backs resulted in a second try. Olney persevered and when close to the line, a deliberate infringement meant Scouts were down to 14 men. From the penalty, quick ball to the backs and Mac Kitchener powered through for the score. An entertaining half despite the conditions and the score at the break 10-5 to the home side.

More of the same in the second half with Olney not quite able to find the gaps due to the Scouts defence being very quick to close them down. A second yellow card for Scouts and a penalty by Charlie Hicks narrowed the gap but a line break and a charge up field eventually led to their forwards driving over from close range. A bonus point try for Scouts followed shortly after when a little indecision was capitalised on for the backs to find space wide out and cross for the try, this time converted. Scouts forwards had the upper hand again for a further score after Olney were on the receipt of a yellow card themselves. Olney still had fight in them though and a chip forward was then hacked through to the Scouts 22. Not wishing to leave without points, it was Ewan Fuller who took the ball at pace from close range for Olney’s second of the evening. The last play of the match was Scouts scoring again though and took the result at the whistle to 32-15 in their favour.

Overall the game was possibly closer than the score may suggest although the result is probably a reflection of the league positions as the season has progressed. No excuses and well done to the players who took to the field due to changes, injuries and unavailability from last Saturday. Apparently giant flanker Hector Stanbridge is injured so took the time off to visit North Korea for a new haircut.

Local celebrity John Nicholls was talking to someone at the bar recently and said that he wished he’d listened to his parents all those years ago. “What did they say then that is so important now?” they asked. To which he replied “I don’t know, I wasn’t listening!”