We have a match on 24th Jan for an Olney XV team against The 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment RFC and a match with Olney Ladies vs Army Rugby Union (Women). We have chosen the date of Jan 24th, as 100 years ago on that weekend, a Charity International Match was played at Northampton between Scotland and England. Several players involved with Olney played for England that day, including Edgar Mobbs. The match was played to help Edgar Mobbs form his own Battalion to which many sports players, and people from this surrounding area subsequently joined. Our squad for the day will include members with military connections and potentially members from other East Midlands Clubs.

Edgar Mobbs, was considered both a sporting and war hero and was sadly killed in 1917. Over the course of the First World War, 16 Olney players lost their lives. Our intention is to make this day a fitting tribute to them all. Here is a quote from Major MP Birkett MBE, Quartermaster, The 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment RFC . "This sounds like it’s going to be a great day. It couldn’t be for a better cause. The boys are really looking forward to locking horns and enjoying the day. As a Battalion we are proud to support this event and look forward to a great contest on the 24th Jan. We are honoured that we are to be part of a celebration of Col Mobbs life and his Regiment, the 7th Northants. The team will promise to provide a display worthy of his name and memory and affiliation to the club." As such, we expect a game of high standard which should be an enthralling encounter.
As well as our guests from the Yorkshire Regiment and the Army Women's Rugby, we hope to have as guests, Edgar Mobbs, (his great nephew) and other family members of players who have connections with Olney and that England team. We also intend to invite members of other Olney Sports Clubs, Olney, Northampton and Milton Keynes councils and Members of Northampton, Bedford Rugby Clubs, the East Midlands, Alliance and Bucks RFU, along with members of the Mobbs Memorial Trust, the British Legion, Bedford Modern School, local historical societies and our local MP. Our aim is also to raise funds for the charity of the Army team's choosing through the sale of a special programme, raffle and auction of shirts, etc.

This promises to be a significant day for the Club with up to 200 guests attending. I would hope that our members, both players and supporters, would show their support for this day. Finally, any member who can do something on the day, such as some time behind the bar, helping with general housekeeping in the clubhouse, the donation of raffle prizes or a contribution to our costs so that we maximise funds raised, then please come forward and let me know. We will need your help.

Jarlath McElroy / Chairman, ORFC
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I will leave you and your members to make direct contact with Olney [David.Middleditch@ntc-europe.co.uk / 01234 755196] to express interest in attending this worthy occasion.

Many Thanks,
Derek Hodgkinson
Publicity Officer
Northampton & District Rugby Alliance
07913 402398