Sat 2^nd November 02
Olney 4^th XV 5 - Ampthill Extras 22 

Major yellow again !  

After two home games the Extras were back on the road in their encounter with Olney. 

With only one second-row player available it was veteran centre, Ian Black, that donned the number five jersey to fill in at second row for the Extras alongside big Justin Cobley. 

Under extremely wet conditions there was much ball fumbling and spillages before the Extras, as they have in every game this season, scored the first try, thanks to young Simon Read. Number eight, Chris Denton was next to score after a penalty move before Tom Read scored to give the Extras a fifteen points to nil lead. 

Olney struck back with a try of their own in the first half to make it fifteen nil to the Extras as the two teams broke for their customary chewing of soggy oranges. 

In a game that saw three Extras players leaving the pitch with injuries at various stages, the Extras fought hard to hold onto the lead despite playing for much of the time with only fourteen players.  

In the second half Jack Wilison was denied a try but was awarded a penalty try when he was played ‘off the ball’ after he had crossed the try line. 

The Extras forwards carried their large frames around to great effect with some superb tackling from Justin Cobley and Jason Massingham. The latter arrived late for the game and in a very aggressive mood, something he should maybe encouraged to do more often. Added to that David Wheeler, all five foot eight of him, stood in at second row when Ian Black’s ageing knee gave way after a tackle. This adds to the awesome feat that victory was in this game. 

Scrum half, Phil Stanton, had a ten minute break along with the opposition centre after a bout of handbags in the second half added to the eventful position changes that the Extras suffered during the eighty minutes.  

 Tries:           Simon Read, Chris Denton, Tom Read, Pen Try

Cons:            Paul New (5), Tom Gray