MEN'S RUGBY: Brilliant Ben bags a hat-trick in Heathens victory

Olney IIIs were the victims in a 30-21 win for a Heathens side who produced a dominant forwards display.

Following the disappointment of the third cancelled fixture of the season, Heathens returned to action against a youthful Olney side.

Heathens led after only two minutes with a penalty from Craig Wilson, but Olney were soon 7-3 ahead thanks to a try and conversion. On 15 minutes Heathens flanker Jackson crossed his first try as Heathens edged 8-7 ahead, and he added a second on 24 minutes with this one converted by hooker Vio Marin.

Heathens were 15-7 up, but the margin was reduced to a single point as Olney scored second converted try just before the break. Heathens started the second half well and went 20-14 ahead with a Dan Stonehouse try before Wilson dived over to make it 25-14. Olney added a third converted try, but Jackson had the final word as he completed his hat-trick on 71 minutes.

Rushden 22 Olney 34

Olney made the short trip to Rushden for their first away league game of the season and returned with a good win.

Jeremiah Shields scored Olney’s first try, with Rich Cowan getting the second. Rushden had a man sent to the sin bin before Will Edwards scored and Olney were 20-10 up at the break.

Charlie Belcher scored for Olney after the restart before Rushden replied with two tries to cut the lead to five points.

But Olney finished things off thanks to Phil Powell’s score.

Old Northamptonians 25 Melton Mowbray 5

Old Northamptonians secured their sixth win in seven Midlands 1 East matches this season with a hard-fought success at Billing Road.

Matt Cox kicked a penalty before Jake Spencer dotted down for the home side after Matt Love put him in under the posts. Cox converted.

Love then grabbed a try of his own after a superb pass from Lews Barker. Alex Crofts scored after the break and the bonus point was secured when Crofts put Mike Bellamy in.

Meanwhile, Old Northamptonians IIs beat their BBOB counterparts 49-5 in their merit table clash.

Tries came from Ben Hammersley (2), Joe Britton (2), Ollie Spencer, Gary Morton,James Hare, Wayne Clarke and Kieran Murdie, who also kicked two conversions.

Towcestrians 22 Broadstreet 17

MATT YUILL scored twice as Towcestrians secured a fine home win in National League 3 Midlands.

Matt Bodily started things off for Tows before Yuill got his name on the scoresheet.

The home side were flying towards victory when Pepe Nanci dotted down after the break, with Yuill landing the conversion.

And Yuill rounded things off with his second score of the game to leave Tows sitting fifth in the league standings ahead of Saturday’s game at Sandbach.

Meanwhile Towcetrians IIs cruised past Broadstreet IIs with Kris Ancil scoring twice and Jonty Barrie, James Hale, Ben Barwell and James Falvey also dotting down. Falvey kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Casuals 27 Mens Own 17

JACK BRADBURY scored an eye-catching try as Casuals beat Men’s Own in one of three matches between the clubs last weekend.

Casuals IIs beat Own IIs 95-0, with Tony Bassey matching the club record of eight tries in a match, while Dave Horner led the IIIs to a 57-7 win against Own IIIs.