The black cats travelled across another border into Buckinghamshire to take on Olney. With a new half back combination the visitors started with the early mist clearing, giving way to a sunny afternoon in front of a good sized crowd. Many from Harborough and one from Barcelona.
Early exchanges were a mixed affair, with mistakes being made by both sides. Harborough scored first after Adam Mrtynek broke through at pace to go over. Unfortunately the young Czech Republic International was sadly injured in the process and left the field of play.
Harborough were forced to make changes. Tom Herdman, for the second time this season, went onto the wing and Ollie Stanbridge found himself at scrum half again. Flexible Tom Claffey moved to his more accustomed position as outside half and the dynamic Sam Staff, who was having a rest this week on the bench, which was short lived, moved to 8 with Harley Williams moving to the flank.
The mighty Harborough pack not for the first time in 2025 were making life very difficult for the Olney eight. Opposition props were getting pilots licences at regular intervals and were being pushed back at speed.
Olney, however, replied with a well worked try through many hands and subsequently converted. 7-5 to the hosts.
After a wonderful break by Jack Rowlatt the ball was recycled to Sam Staff who broke three tackles to cross the whitewash.
A somewhat messy half came to an end with all to play for in the second. The ‘allicadoos’ made a beeline for the coffee and tea as the temperature was dropping.
The early second half was all Harborough, who knew they would need to up the pressure to remove any doubt. The forwards were in total control with Timmy Waterfield and Jack Burrows, captain for the day, having an influence. The ball was worked to the left where Jeff Brown, our illustrious Director of Rugby, provided Tom Herdman with a sumptuous pass to score in the corner. 15-7 to the black cats.
Tries now followed from Harley Williams, George Hallam and a second for Sam Staff as the power of the Harborough forwards took its toll on a tiring home side. Olney did have one last effort to touch down and convert making the final score 36-19 to Harborough.
The Christmas break now takes over unfortunately. What do us old farts do for the next three weeks. Get up to the club on Boxing Day for the inter club match. Always a good day for a hair of the dog after too much port and brandy the previous day.
Our next game is on Saturday 10th January against Wellingborough at home.

Many thanks to all the players that have played across all our teams this year and also to our loyal supporters who follow the teams wherever they go.

Have a great Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Tony Cochrane

Chairman