Page 75 - Phonebox Magazine May 2013

“The Olney U11 development team successfully defended their title and convincingly won the Olney tournament winning all their matches.
The squad played with passion and conviction to move the ball successfully through the back line to score 8 tries in their opening match. They built on this success and won their further 3 matches, conceding only one try.
The pack worked hard against some challenging opposition coupled with the backs running hard to get over the gain line and breaking down the defences successfully.
In front of proud parents and coaches, Josh Wheeler accepted the winners trophy on behalf of the team”
Olney Under 8’s ventured to Holt on tour this year. Twenty players, with mums, dads, and siblings all made the journey to Norfolk to take on the best the area could offer. After a great day of fun and frolics at the Kingswood Activity Centre, we played in the mini festival on the Sunday and made great progress. Both teams won all their pool games to reach the finals. Olney Cobras eventually came in third and Olney Panthers took top spot with a last gasp try in the final. Parents were euphoric, as this was our first festival win since staring out in U6’s. What an amazing tour, all players are looking forward to U9’s and despite having 50+ players, we will always welcome new players. Danny Adamson
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As the season draws to a close at the time of writing, we look back on a busy and successful period right through the club; excellent commitment to training and match days provided a full fixture list for three senior teams with great results. Minis and Juniors have seen numbers increase again with over 400 young players gracing the pitches over the season – some winning representative honours at county, district and academy level. A new girls team has had great success along with the ladies team building their ranks and playing and training hard. Combine all that with the great results for our “club elders” in the “Occasionals” veterans side and it shows it’s been a wonderful season and truly “Rugby for all”.
Since our last report, the 1st XV have recorded some great results, playing hard physical rugby with flourishes of pace and power. Olney visited Drifters RFC on 30th March and notched up a solid 29-3 victory with 4 tries and a superb defensive effort to keep the home team out.
One week later and Olney entertained Grove at the Rec, and went down 31-10. In a full season, this was one of only two home defeats. Much was learnt from the day, and Olney took the lessons into the final match of the season, away to local rivals Milton Keynes. Watched by a large away crowd, the team played some fine rugby, with the forwards on top for much of the game. With a solid defence and great attitude, Olney came back from 13-5 down early in the first half to romp home 31-13 victors.
The 2nd and 3rd XV also had a full fixture list and great results against local opposition. There has been a whole squad mentality about the club, and many young players coming up
from the Colts playing in all three senior teams which bodes very well for the future.
The Ocassionals had a great 10-0 result in an away match against Market Harborough, facing former England legend Martin Johnson, playing at Number 8. Renowned for his laid back attitude and easy going nature, “Johnno” decided to use all his old tricks and skulduggery to the maximum, until Charlie Tomkins bravely stopped him on the line to save a clear try scoring opportunity. Paul Winter wasn’t so lucky however as he attempted to side step the former England captain and ended up getting smashed 12 yards back. He’ll never attempt to step off his left leg again, possibly because it’s still stuck in the Market Harborough turf.... Despite the season drawing to a close, there is still plenty going on at the club over the summer, with a British Lions series televised in the Clubhouse, Olney 7’s festival, touch rugby and plenty of other playing activity. We also have a tidy up and refurbishment weekend in partnership with Natwest Rugbyforce who select specific clubs for regeneration and refurbishment projects. We need any club members with a spare hour or more on the weekend of 15th/16th June to come down and lend a hand to help improve the clubhouse and facilities. Your help will make a big difference no matter how little time you have available!
We would like to extend a massive thank you to all our club sponsors over the season, who have supported the club brilliantly in a very successful and fun packed campaign. If you are interested in sponsoring the club in the future, please contact ORFC Sponsorship Chair, Karen smith on sponsorship@olneyrfc.co.uk
OLNEY RUGBY
Phonebox Magazine 75