Holt 12 North Walsham Raiders 31 

          Yesterday Holt finished off their early season friendlies with a home fixture against

North Walsham Raiders, which would provide another stern test before the start of the league campaign next week. The day was very warm and with the ground very hard, the players would be put to the test regarding their stamina. The Raiders made the early running, but Holt were able to clear their lines and after seven minutes Graham Ilsley intercepted an opponent’s pass to run in from forty yards to score and by converting his own try, gave Holt a 7-0 lead. Holt kept up the pressure, but were unable to add to their lead and it was The Raiders, who were always looking dangerous, took the game back to the home side and scored a converted try after twenty nine minutes. This levelled the scores at 7-7. Holt again went back onto the attack, but as so often happens leaked another score two minutes before half-time, which was converted, giving the visitors a 7-14 lead at the interval.

            Holt knew they were up against a fit and fast moving side who would take some containing and this was shown when the visitors added to their lead after eight minutes, by scoring a simple try and with it being converted, now led 7-21. This set back fired Holt in an immediate counter attack and they were rewarded when Dan Ilsley finished off a good passing move to score in the corner two minutes later. The conversion was narrowly off target, but the deficit had been reduced to 12-21 but with a long way still to go.The Raiders then began to take hold of the game and after sixteen minutes scored another try to increase their lead to 12-26 and to finish off the scoring added a final try to make the score line 12-31 in their favour. For the final thirteen minutes of the game, scrums became uncontested when Holt lost their captain Sturman to a back injury and the match rather lost it’s sparkle. With no further scoring, The Raiders could look back on a satisfactory afternoon’s work and Holt, although by no means disgraced, realised they would have to increase their fitness levels to that of their opponents. Next week Holt start their league programme with a home fixture against neighbours Fakenham and hoping for a consistent performance to take the points.

Holt 10 Fakenham 9 

  To-day Holt entertained neighbours Fakenham in their opening league match of the season, and as it was an early season meeting,  predicting a result would be difficult.

Especially as games against Fakenham are normally well contested with neither side dominating. The weather was hot, with a faint breeze and a very hard ground lending itself to an open game. Holt started on the offensive but were unable to make headway and it was Fakenham who had a chance to take the lead after six minutes with a penalty. The kick missed, but three minutes later Holt again infringed and this time the visitors took the lead 0-3. This setback inspired the home side back on to the offensive and they were just off target with an attempted drop goal and were also making the running, with their backs looking dangerous, but unable to score due to squandered chances. Fakenham, every time they got into Holt’s half were rewarded with a penalty and after twenty two minutes increased their lead to 0-6. Holt were pressing the self destruct button, but fortunately for them a penalty attempt was wide which could have increased the deficit after thirty minutes. Two minutes later Holt made the running and from a scrum Graham Ilsley scythed through the opposition’s defence to score a try, which he converted to put the home side in the lead narrowly 7-6. Holt obviously tried to increase their lead before half-time, but were unable to do so and were left to ruminate on the missed opportunities of the half.

    The second half started with Holt on the attack and they were just short following a good passing move between the backs, knowing they would have to maintain the pressure to increase their slender lead. This was not to be as they conceded a penalty after ten minutes, which was kicked to put Fakenham back in the lead by 7-9 and following that Holt went in into self destruct and conceded two more penalties in the next four minutes. Forunately for them, all were off target. Holt’s backs were showing they had the ability to beat their opponents, but too often threw good chances away through over anxiety. The home side did not help their quest when one of their players was yellow carded with ten minutes left, meaning they would play the remainder of the game with fourteen men, especially as they spent a long period camped close the Fakenham line. Fortunately luck was on Holt’s side as with seven minutes remaining, they were awarded a penalty following obstruction and Mears was equal to the occasion by converting the kick to put his side back into the lead 10-9. Despite being one short, Holt held on to their slender lead to win their first league game of the season. Both sides could think about missed chances, but Holt need to build on the ability their backs showed and to deliver the killer punch. Next week Holt are away to Woodbridge, again a side difficult to beat on their own ground as was shown last year in a pretty dreadful game, where they did not rise to the occasion.

Woodbridge 21 Holt 15

    Yesterday Holt made the long journey into Suffolk to play Woodbridge and would be    looking to reverse last season’s setback. There was no scoring for the first 27 minutes of the half and then Holt were penalised and were 3-0 in arrears. This spurred Holt to respond, but to of no avail, as in the 39th minute, possession failed and from this a try was scored by the home side to increase their lead to 8-0. Within a minute from the re-

Start, possession was again lost and Woodbridge scored a converted try to make the half-time score 15-0. A double blow for Holt right at the end of the half.

   The second half started with Holt on the offensive, but they missed a kickable penalty. Then another penalty was kicked to the corner and from the ensuing line-out drove over the line for Wright to score an unconverted try after 10 minutes. This narrowed the gap to 15-5. Holt continued to press and the same pattern was followed for Van Poortvliet to score an unconverted try to close up to 15-10 after 20 minutes. Woodbridge then extended their lead to 18-10 following a penalty five minutes later. Holt then conceded another penalty soon after to fall further behind 21-10 and with time running out, Holt were not finished by these reverses and following a good run by Allen and inter passing ended with Wright scoring his second try to make the final score 21-15 to the home side. A disappointing result for Holt considering their possession in the second half, but due to their giving away penalties, this did not help their cause. Next Saturday Holt have no game due to a bye in the RFU Junior Vase and their next game being on the 10th October at home to Thurston in the league, where they normally have a good record against them.   

Holt 22 Thurston 19 
 

        Yesterday Thurston were the visitors to High Kelling and Holt would be looking to maintain their good home record against them. The weather again was fine and the pitch firm, having been slightly softened by the earlier rain. Thurston made the early running and were off target with a penalty after two minutes, which was a let off for the home side. The visitors were showing more purpose in their play but were unable to break the Holt defence. In fact it was the home side who opened the scoring after twenty two minutes, when Botwright latched on to a Thurston mistake to run in for an unconverted try. This gave Holt a 5-0 lead and this was the incentive they needed to raise their game, but with half-time approaching Holt again were caught napping, when following a Thurston attack, they were penalised and from the quickly taken tap conceded a try under the posts. Fortunately for them the kick missed, but the scores had been levelled at 5-5 with two minutes remaining of the half. Holt again took the game into their opponent’s half, but were unable to regain the lead by half-time, which came with no further scoring.

      Holt were left to reflect on their opportunities and for the let offs they had had in the half and therefore would be looking to gain the upper hand in the next half. Holt began well and after three minutes Graham Ilsley scored an unconverted try to regain the lead 10-5. This was the fillip Holt needed and they were dictating events and it was of no surprise when Botwright scored his second try following a good move to increase the lead to 15-5, as the conversion had been wide. This was after fifteen minutes and the home side were playing with confidence and not allowing their visitors much scope. They then increased their lead further after twenty eight minutes when Woods was quickly on to a poor drop out to charge through to score and with Graham Ilsley converting, the score was now 22-5 in Holt’s favour. With twelve minutes remaining the game appeared to be nicely in the bag, but Thurston had other ideas and put Holt under pressure to score a converted try after thirty two minutes to reduce the deficit to 22-12. Holt now appeared to have gone into their usual mode of not wanting to win by too great a margin and conceded another converted try with two minutes remaining to make the score 22-19. Fortunately for them, they managed to make touch just short of the Thurston goal line and to take the pressure off themselves and the match finished with an altercation between the forwards which was somewhat alien to the way the game had been played.

Holt were left to ponder on their generosity in the last twelve minutes of the game, which occurs on a number of occasions after having established a match winning lead, then to sit back and watch the opposition get rather uncomfortably close by the final whistle. Next week Holt travel to Thetford for a league match, against whom last season, had two comfortable wins.

 Thetford 11 Holt 11 

                To-day Holt visited Thetford hoping to repeat their success here last season against them this time. The weather was dry with a cool breeze blowing down the pitch, which was in good condition, with a fair covering of grass. Holt made the early running and although unable to score a try, which had looked a possibility, Graham Ilsley kicked a penalty after five minutes to open Holt’s account 0-3. The visitors still continued to press, but were still unable to increase the score line and it was the home side who nearly

scored under the posts after ten minutes.. Fortunately a desperate cover tackle knocked the ball from the Thetford player’s grasp. A let off which was not to release the pressure on Holt as three minutes later the hosts scored a try following a three-quarter move to gain the lead by 5-3. This unexpected set back inspired Holt to take the game into their opponent’s half and they were unlucky not to go ahead following a penalty. However Graham Ilsley was again on target with another penalty kick after thirty minutes to regain the lead for his side 5-6. With half-time approaching Holt were put under pressure again and luckily for them a drop goal attempt was wide, but they were able to hold out to the half-time whistle.

                 Holt knew they would have to improve their game to pull ahead, but the hosts had other ideas by regaining the lead 8-6 after three minutes into the half with a penalty conversion. Holt again tried to make inroads into their opponent’s half, but a succession penalties and untidy play did not help their cause. Also two penalty chances went begging and with time ticking by it looked as though it was not going to be Holt’s day and to add to their concern, Thetford kicked a penalty with four minutes remaining to increase their lead to 11-6. Holt then threw everything into the attack for the remaining minutes of the game and with two minutes left won a line-out close to the Thetford line and with a controlled drive went over for Child to score the equalising try and to level the scores at 11-11. The outcome of the match now relied on the conversion, which was off target and with the final whistle going soon after, Holt had to settle for the draw and for a lot of reflection as to why events had not gone their way, especially after the promising start. Next Saturday Holt are at home to league leaders Newmarket who are unbeaten and they know what they have to do to avenge two defeats last season; to apply themselves for the full eighty minutes.

Holt 6 Newmarket 27 

   To-day Holt entertained league leaders Newmarket and would be looking to reverse the two defeats they suffered at their hands last season. The weather was cloudy with drizzle making handling slightly difficult, but the pitch was excellent with give in it after the recent rain. Holt made the early running and Allen was on target with a penalty in the first minute to give his side the lead 3-0. Despite this early success, the hosts were unable to make inroads and it was the visitors who equalised with a penalty after twelve minutes. Newmarket were showing their ability as to why they were top of the league and after twenty two minutes increased their lead following a break by their scrum-half to score a converted try, which put Holt 3-10 in arrears. Holt were having to soak up a lot of pressure, but eventually broke out of the deadlock and on the stroke of half-time reduced the arrears to 6-10 with a penalty from Allen.

   Six minutes into the second half Holt had the opportunity to reduce the deficit with a penalty without success and Newmarket were also off target with a similar attempt. Holt despite their efforts to get into the game did not help their cause when one of their players was yellow carded after twenty minutes. This aided Newmarket in their pressure on the Holt goal line and it was of no surprise when they increased their lead to 6-17 with a converted try and to rub salt into the wound added another converted try four minutes later when their scrum-half scored his second try following a good break by his centre. This setback at 6-24 put Holt on the back foot, making their task difficult and with three minutes remaining the visitors added another three points from a penalty to complete Holt’s misery at 6-27. All credit to Newmarket who displayed a panache in the business like way they played. Something for Holt to reflect on, especially as they could have no complaints about the score line against them. Next week Holt are at home to Bancroft in the second round of The RFU Junior Vase in a game where not a lot is known about their opponents, other than they play at the same level in Essex One, with a similar record.

Holt 21 Diss Saracens 15 

      To-day Holt hosted Diss Saracens, instead of Bancroft, who had given the home side a walk over in The RFU Junior Vase, meaning the hosts go through to the next round on 21st November. Coaches Steed and Chapman made full use of the opportunity to give some players who do not normally get a full run out the chance to make up for it. Diss provided excellent opponents and the game was never totally in Holt’s control, with the final score reflecting this. Holt gained the lead with a try by Allen which he converted to open the scoring at 7-0, but Diss narrowed the gap with a penalty to 7-3. Child then scored the first of his two tries and with Graham Ilsley adding the conversion, Holt were comfortably ahead at 14-3. The visitors had other ideas and narrowed the gap with a converted try to 14-10 giving the hosts some anxious moments; but to their relief, Child added his second try and with Graham Ilsley converting, the lead was now 21-10. Diss did score an  unconverted try with the last movement of the game to make the final score 21-15 in Holt’s favour. The game had been a good run out for Holt and should put them in fine fettle for their return to league rugby next week when they are away to Crusaders, where the result can go either way as both sides have similar records.

 Crusaders 5 Holt 9 

        Yesterday Holt travelled to the west of Norwich to renew league fixtures with Crusaders, where on their last visit four years ago, Holt had been successful and would be hoping to repeat this achievement. The day was perfect for rugby, with autumn sunshine, little wind and a well grassed pitch. Holt played up the slope in the first half and took play into their opponents half with positive attacking rugby, but unfortunately were unable to open the scoring. The game then see-sawed between the two halves and with both sides coping with the attacks being mounted against them, the score board was staying blank and as half-time was approaching, Holt cleared their lines and were awarded a penalty with a minute remaining, thirty yards out. They opted to kick at goal and Allen was equal to the occasion by converting the  kick to give his side a half-time lead of 0-3. On the run of play Holt just about deserved this slender advantage and with the slope in their favour for the second half they must have felt confident in increasing the lead.

        But as Holt had showed at the start, playing up the slope is no disadvantage and this proved to be the case when the home side scored an unconverted try after ten minutes to gain the lead 5-3. Holt were not rattled by this reverse and went back onto the offensive and earned a penalty two minutes later still a little way out, but Allen was again equal to the occasion by kicking his second conversion to regain the lead 5-6. This inspired Holt to produce some determined play and keeping play well into their opponent’s half, but without managing to score that illusive try. But they were again awarded another penalty after twenty minutes for Allen to complete his hat trick to extend the lead to 5-9. With a quarter of the game remaining this lead was still not enough and Crusaders for the last ten minutes of the game kept play in Holt’s half seeking the all important try to clinch the match. Despite giving away a number of penalties and Crusaders needing a try, Holt managed to contain the wave of attacks that were being launched against them and with the final whistle going were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Overall on the run of play, Holt could feel they narrowly deserved the points with their pack having dominated in the loose with some very well controlled driving mauls and the backs showing what they are capable of. Next Saturday Holt are at home to Cantabrigians in a league match and on recent results could be scenting a win, as they normally get the better of their opponents home and away.

 Holt 17 Cantabrigians 15 

          Yesterday Cantabrigians were the visitors to High Kelling and always contribute to a close game, as was shown last season when they ran Holt very close at the end. The day was cloudy with a strong wind blowing down the pitch and spells of rain, but underfoot, the pitch was in good order. Holt played against the elements in the first half and would be looking to contain their opponents to little or no points. Cantabrigians made the early running aided by the wind behind them and it was of no surprise when they scored an unconverted try after five minutes to lead 0-5. Holt were having a problem in coping with the elements and a lively side against them, who maintained the pressure and increased their lead after twenty five minutes with a penalty to 0-8. Any excursions Holt made out of their half were repulsed and most of the game was being played in their half and they had a let off after thirty two minutes when a penalty chance went wide and half-time arrived with no further scoring and Holt facing a 0-8 deficit.

           Holt were confident for the second half with the wind behind them and only eight points to make up. But they had an immediate set back after two minutes, when a penalty attempt against them was wide and the ball was knocked on in goal and before it could be recovered, a Cantabrigian player was on to it to score and with the conversion, Holt were now facing a 0-15 deficit. This set back inspired Holt to take the game to the opposition and after fifteen minutes Robson finished off a passing move to score an unconverted try, reducing the arrears to 5-15. Holt were now making the running and were unlucky not to reduced the margin further, when a penalty attempt rebounded off the post and the ball was cleared. Following this, Daniel Ilsley saved Holt’s line with an excellent cover tackle to stop another try and play went back up the field for Mears to score an unconverted try after twenty minutes narrowing the  margin to 10-15 with the same amount of time remaining. Holt were now playing with a determination to win the game and after twenty seven minutes Rumsby finished off another good move and with Graham Ilsley converting, his team were now in the lead 17-15 with thirteen minutes left. The Holt defence, again were equal to the occasion when another Cantabrigian counter attack was thwarted and the home side kept in front with no further alarms to win a close contest 17-15, with the elements having had a say in the matter. This victory was Holt’s fourth in the league programme and with one draw, they have nine points are fourth in the table. Next Saturday, Holt travel to Stowmarket to play them in the third round of The RFU Junior Vase, this will be a difficult fixture and they will be out to avenge their performance there last season in the league. Their opponents are second in the league and will provide stern opposition and Holt will have to pull out all the stops to progress further in the competition.

  Stowmarket 29 Holt 10 

        Yesterday Holt travelled to Stowmarket to play them in  the third round of The RFU Junior Vase and hoping to put to rights the performance they gave there last season in the league. The game would be difficult as the home side are currently enjoying a good run in the  league at present, lying second. Holt played against the wind in the first half and at half-time were trailing 17-0, knowing there would be some catching up to do in the second half.

         Holt did actually make their mark on the game and reduced the arrears to 17-10 through two tries by Woods, but unfortunately the Gods were against them and they leaked another twelve points before the end, giving the home side victory by 29-10. With this cup defeat Holt can now concentrate on their league programme and next Saturday  are away to Ely, who were promoted at the end of last season. Currently they are below Holt in the table in tenth position, with one win out of seven; which should point to an away win. Holt will certainly want to erase the memory of their showing there two seasons ago, when they presented the home side with their only league win of the season.

ELY   

 Ely 0 Holt 6 

       Yesterday Holt travelled into Cambridgeshire to play newly promoted Ely looking to avenge the embarrassing defeat they suffered there two seasons ago. The rain had stopped, leaving the pitch in a muddy state and there was a slight diagonal wind. Holt played with the wind in the first half and started in a positive manner and were rewarded with a penalty after two minutes, which Allen converted to give his side a 0-3 lead. Ely showed they were quite capable of swift counter attacks and this they did on a couple of occasions by putting the Holt  defence under pressure, leading to last ditch tackles to stop two possible tries in the corner. Holt were able to break out of the stranglehold and were again rewarded with another penalty chance after ten minutes. Allen was equal to the occasion and converted the kick to increase Holt’s lead to 0-6. There was no further scoring during the half, but Holt showed they were quite capable of weathering Ely’s excursions into their half and also showed promise with the backs putting the home side under pressure with some probing runs. But again it was the old story of not being able to put possession into points and half-time arrived with Holt looking comfortable with their narrow lead, although they needed to increase this to give themselves a better cushion to work on.

       Holt took the game to Ely from the start of the second half and were close to scoring, but were just beaten to the touch down. For the first twenty five minutes of the half Holt clearly were dictating events and it was then that Ely mounted a counter attack, with their left wing running through several missed tackles to put his side close to the Holt line. Holt’s defence then became of prime importance for the remainder of the game and although they held out well, the siege could not be lifted, with Ely doing their hardest to score. Although penalties were conceded, Ely did not go for goal as it was a try they needed with the possibility of a conversion, but they were unable to break down the defence. Holt were helped when their opponents were reduced to fourteen men, but they could not take play for any length of time into the Ely half. The final whistle came much to Holt’s relief with the fact they had defended extremely well to keep their slender lead of 0-6 and to record their fifth league win and to also go into third place above Woodbridge, who obligingly lost to Crusaders. Holt after this game said farewell to Graham Ilsley who is moving to South West London and they wish him well for the future. Next week Holt entertain Stowmarket in the league, who are currently in second place below Newmarket, having only lost once so far this season. This will be a severe test as Holt had recently lost to their visitors in The  RFU Junior Vase on their ground 10-29 and although they normally win at home, nothing should be taken for granted.      

Holt 14 Stowmarket 38

Yesterday Stowmarket were the visitors to High Kelling bringing with them a good record so far in the league this season. Holt had played them a fortnight previously in The Junior Vase and would know what they would be up against. The day was perfect for rugby, with a slight breeze and the pitch in good condition. Holt played against the breeze in the first half and found themselves under pressure early on and only good tackling kept their opponents at bay. Holt took the game into their opponent’s half but were not able to penetrate the defence and Stowmarket broke out with their number thirteen, who was going to be a persistent thorn in Holt’s side for most of the game, making good ground and although he should have been stopped, scored a well taken try. The conversion was successful giving the visitors a 0-7 lead after seventeen minutes which stung Holt back onto the attack and looked to be in with a scoring chance, but the final pass was dropped with the line at their mercy. Holt were still probing away and playing in a positive manner, until after thirty minutes Stowmarket again broke out of their half and following a cross kick, their left wing scored a try to increase the lead to 0-12, although against the run of play. Holt again took play back in to their opponent’s half and were rewarded after thirty seven minutes, when following a penalty, Robson cut through to score under the posts, making the conversion for Allen a formality. The deficit had been cut to 7-12 and with half-time approaching Holt would be happy at the score line, but the Stowmarket centre had other ideas and scored his second try on the stroke of half-time and with the conversion, the score line stood at 7-19 to the visitors.

Holt knew for the second half they would have to tighten up on their tackling and to snuff out the threat posed by Stowmarket’s backs, who were a very sharp unit. From the start of the half and having won a scrum against the head took the game well into the Stowmarket twenty two, but then unfortunately lost Hume with a dislocated shoulder. This set back did not deter Holt as they kept up the pressure and from the re-start and Wright scored a try and with Allen converting it, the arrears had been reduced to 14-19 and all to play for. The visitors again were back onto the offensive and put the home side under pressure and after ten minutes Holt’s bete noire scored another try to put them ten points in arrears at 14-24. Holt were able to ride out the pressure and the game became slightly fractious and a player from either side was yellow carded after twenty minutes and with the half way stage of the half completed, the hosts still had a lot of work to do to catch up, as they were up against a competent side. Stowmarket were not finished yet and following another cross kick their centre was on hand to score another try and with conversion, the score had risen to 14-31 putting the visitors very much in the driving seat with fifteen minutes remaining and eight minutes later following a kick ahead they finished off their scoring for the game with another converted try. Holt despite facing a deficit of 14-38 still did not give up and spent the last minutes of the game on their opponent’s goal line, but without success. The final whistle went with no further scoring and Holt could not be too despondent at the score line against them as they had fully contributed to an entertaining game and had they taken their chances could have made the score line less flattering to their visitors. Stowmarket from their play had shown why they are where they are in the league, which is second behind Newmarket. Holt slip back to fourth following this set back and next Saturday are away to Southwold who were promoted at the end of last season and are just behind Holt in the league having won four of their games to date. Therefore Holt will have to pull out all the stops to come away with a win, as it will be a stern test.

 Southwold 5 Holt 5 

             Holt travelled to the Suffolk coast yesterday to play newly promoted Southwold in their first league meeting of the season in somewhat wet conditions at the start. The weather did improve, although by the end the light was appalling. The pitch was reasonable, considering the soaking it had received. Holt as usual, started in a positive mood and had the chance to take the lead from a penalty after six minutes, which was off target.The pressure was maintained by Holt, but it was the same old story of not putting possession into points and Southwold were able to ride out the storm. The home side did test the Holt  defence, but looked less likely to score than the visitors. Half time arrived with a blank score board at 0-0, although it was felt the visitors were making the running and with the elements behind them for the second half, would be able to make the game safe.

           Holt did start the half in a positive manner, but only for their efforts to be thwarted by a solid defence and mistakes in handling and kicking. Southwold managed to clear their lines and took the game into Holt’s half, where their efforts were successfully held, although Holt did not help themselves with some poor errors in defence. One prime example was the ball being knocked-on on the goal line, fortunately the home side did not benefit from this gift, but after twenty nine minutes another mix up by Holt allowed Southwold to kick the dropped ball through to the corner, allowing the winger to pick up and score an unconverted try. This gave the home side a 5-0 lead and with time running out for Holt, they then threw everything into attack, but again could not break through. However, with three minutes remaining and following a scrum close to the Southwold line, Child broke away and running diagonally scored the face saving try in the corner to level the scores at 5-5. Unfortunately the all important conversion did not happen and Holt were able to survive the remaining minutes of the game without further mishaps and to come away with honours even by gaining a draw. A frustrating result, especially when Holt had dominated the set scrums for the majority of the game and for certainly the first half looked to have the game for the taking and then appeared to have lost it through carelessness towards the end. Next Saturday Holt begin the second half of their league programme with a visit to Fakenham, having won the first encounter at home narrowly 10-9. Although their hosts are not having the best of seasons, they will be awaiting the arrival of Holt with interest, by remembering the win  they had last season, when current form then had pointed to an away win. The same applies this time and Holt must go with a very positive approach, as no games are easy, especially against Fakenham. Holt’s league position at the half way stage is fifth out of eleven, with five wins, two draws and three defeats giving them plenty of food for thought for the second half of the season.

Holt 20 President’s XV 12 

         Yesterday, Boxing Day, Holt played their annual match against the fifteen raised by their president Iain MacBrayne from a cross section on Norfolk clubs. Fortunately the weather had relented and also quite a lot of the snow had melted, allowing the game to be played on the second team pitch. Holt conceded an early converted try to trail 0-7 but during the course of the first half scored two unconverted tries to lead 10-7 at the break.

         Holt scored an early try in the second half to increase their lead to 15-7, but then had to defend to keep the visitors at bay, although they did score an unconverted try to narrow the score line to 15-12. Despite further pressure, Holt kept their line intact and towards the end of a very entertaining game, scored another unconverted try to make the score in their favour 20-12. A good crowd had been appreciative of a good open rugby and Holt can feel satisfied with their performance, which should hold them in good fettle for the forth coming league games; which begin this coming Saturday with a trip to neighbours Fakenham to play the match cancelled before Christmas.

Holt 57 Thetford 5 

     To-day Holt entertained Thetford in a return league fixture, when they had scraped an 11-11 draw in the first encounter away, saving their faces in the last stages of the game. To-day they would be looking to rectify the situation by being far more positive in their approach. The weather was cloudy with occasional drizzle, but the pitch was in good condition following the recent cold spell. Holt, as is usual, took the game to their opponents from the onset and after five minutes were rewarded with a try when Child broke from a scrum to score to put his side 5-0 in the lead. Holt were playing with a lot of belief and it was of no surprise when Robson increased the lead and with Allen converting, making the score 12-0 after seventeen minutes. The pressure was maintained and Thetford only made brief inroads into the Holt half, where any threat was quickly dealt with. It was apparent that the home side were hungry for points and Woods added his name to the scorers with an unconverted try after thirty five minutes making the score 17-0 in his sides favour. Holt still had not finished with their try scoring for the half, when on the stroke of half-time, Allen scored and by converting his try made the score 24-0 at the break.

      Holt needed to maintain the dominance in the second half and not to fall back on the habit of taking their foot of the accelerator and letting the other side back into the game. This they did with a vengeance, not allowing their visitors a look in at all and Rumsby scored twice after eleven and fourteen minutes to increase the lead to 38-0, as both tries were converted by Allen. Thetford to their credit were still making a contribution to the game and were rewarded after twenty minutes when a loose Holt pass was intercepted  in  their half and with the ball being kicked ahead, the visitors won the race to the touch down for an unconverted try. This reduced the deficit to 38-5 and this slight set back had an immediate effect upon Holt, for within a minute, Brown scored a try, which Allen converted to make the score 45-5. Such was Holt’s dominance, two more tries followed, with Robson and Child each scoring their second try of the match and with Allen converting the last one, Holt finished winners by the excellent score of 57-5. A very encouraging performance by the team, especially by scrum half Girling, who was made man of the match. This win puts Holt into fourth place in the league, but next week they travel to leaders Newmarket, who are unbeaten and will provide very stiff opposition. But if Holt play with the same commitment throughout, as was shown to-day, anything could happen. They will certainly be out to avenge the 6-27 defeat they suffered at home earlier in the season.

NEWMARKET 

Newmarket 23 Holt 0 

            Yesterday Holt travelled to Newmarket for their return league match with the

unbeaten leaders, hoping to make an inroad into their hundred percent record and to avenge the home defeat suffered last October. The weather and pitch were perfect, dispelling any fears about another postponement. Holt from the start took the game to their opponents and showing they were not overawed by them, but knowing full well, when they had possession, they would be dangerous. Holt’s defence was equal to the occasion when their hosts did make forays into their half and kept them at bay. The game was quite equal for the first twenty five minutes, but then Newmarket showed their attacking skills by spinning the ball wide for their full back to run through rather a large gap in the Holt defence to score a converted try, giving his side a 7-0 lead. Holt despite this setback, still came back at their opponents, but unfortunately after thirty two minutes were penalised for crossing and Newmarket extended their lead to 10-0. With this advantage the hosts were looking dangerous and showing why they are having a good season and five minutes later, following a chip ahead the home side full back caught the ball on the bounce and ran through to score under the posts. The conversion being a formality put Holt in arrears 17-0. On the stroke of half-time with Holt again back on the attack, were awarded a penalty which was not converted and with the whistle going for the break, Holt had not altered the score line against them.

             The second half started with a Newmarket player being sin binned, giving Holt a one man overlap for the next ten minutes, but this was not helped, when fly half Brown was injured and had to leave the field, necessitating some juggling with the back division. In fact it was Newmarket who kept up the pressure and after ten minutes they converted a penalty for a high tackle, increasing their lead to 20-0 and also they were now back to fifteen players. Holt, despite this set back went back at their opponents and were awarded a penalty a minute later, which again was just off target, but again they still kept on at Newmarket playing some determined rugby, but without being able to penetrate a solid defence. In fact it was the home side who after twenty five minutes rubbed more salt into Holt’s wounds by converting another penalty to make the score 23-0 in their favour. This further set back inspired Holt to play some of their best rugby of the match and for the last quarter besieged Newmarket in their twenty two, but the break through would not come. Allen managed to cross the line, only to be held up and the ensuing scrum went against the head to the defending side as did another similar scrum moments later. Despite all the pressure, Newmarket kept a clean sheet and finished winners by 23-0, which did not fully reflect Holt’s contribution to the enjoyment of the game. They had certainly been up against a good side, but were by no means disgraced by the result and against lesser sides would probably have won. Holt after this defeat drop back to fifth place in the league and next Saturday are away to Fakenham for the third time of asking, as the weather has caused postponements in earlier efforts to play the game, in what are always difficult local derbies. Holt won the first encounter at home 10-9 with an unconvincing display and only getting the points with a late conversion. Holt’s third fifteen recorded a much needed win at Broadland by 17-5 in The Woodforde’s Norfolk Merit Table 2.

 Fakenham 7 Holt 23 

     Yesterday Holt made the short journey to neighbours Fakenham, to finally play the already twice postponed league match. They would be looking to complete the double over their hosts and to lay the jinx which appears when they play them.The day was miserable, being damp and misty, although the pitch was quite firm after the recent rain. Holt looked in a positive mood from the kick off, but after only two minutes, gifted their hosts an interception try, when their centre latched onto a dreadful pass and ran fifty yards to score under the posts and with the conversion a formality, found themselves 7-0 down. The jinx had reared its ugly head already and Holt knew they had to put their game together in order to wipe out this early reverse. The game for the next ten minutes or so see-sawed with both sides probing at each other’s defences, but it was Holt, when getting back onto the attack, were awarded a penalty after fifteen minutes, which Allen converted to narrow the gap to 7-3. With this incentive, Holt were beginning to take the game to their opponents and ten minutes later Allen converted another penalty to bring the deficit down to one point at 7-6. Holt were executing some very good driving mauls, putting the home side under pressure and it was following one such move which took them close to the Fakenham goal line, Child scored one of his typical tries from the base of an ensuing scrum. With Allen converting, his side were now in the lead by 7-13 with six minutes of the half remaining and although Fakenham got back into the Holt half, they were unable to alter the score before half-time, although missing a kick at goal.

      Holt knew they would have to maintain the pressure on their opponents and to increase the lead in order to give them more security during the second half. They were rewarded after five minutes, when the Fakenham full back was penalised, the penalty was taken quickly and Robson finished off the move to score an unconverted try to extend the lead to 7-18. The game for the next half an hour then became somewhat grid locked between both sides twenty twos and although Holt were not under any real pressure, could not make the break through to end the deadlock until with five minutes remaining, they made good use of their possession, for Robson to speed down his wing to score another unconverted try, making the score 7-23 to his side. The reminder of the game saw Holt very much in the driving seat and although going close could not add to their winning score of 7-23, but at least the jinx had been finally laid of not winning on their host’s ground. Next Saturday Holt are at home to Crusaders in a return league match when they had won the first meeting 9-5 in a tight encounter. Holt are one place above Crusaders in fourth, thanks to the win at Fakenham, but they can expect a close match and to keep their wits about them to earn another win. Holt’s third fifteen recorded another win in their merit table with a close victory over West Norfolk by 14-12 and keeping themselves away from the bottom of the table.

Holt 23 Crusaders 13 

     To-day Holt entertained Crusaders in a return league match and having won the first encounter away 9-5, would be looking to complete the double. Holt’s opponents are one place below them in the league table and a win would take them clear, although it would be a difficult match as Crusaders had won on their last three visits to High Kelling. The weather was showery, but the pitch was ion excellent shape, lending itself to a good open game. Holt again took the opening exchanges to their opponents and after ten minutes play they earned a five metre scrum, from which Child broke to score a try, putting his team 5-0 in the lead. Holt still maintained the pressure, but without any further success, although two penalty chances within two minutes of each other went begging with a quarter of an hour played. Crusaders gained possession and tested Holt’s defences which held firm and with six minutes of the half remaining, the home side increased their lead to 8-0 when Allen kicked a penalty. A minute later, following an altercation, a Crusader player was sent off reducing his  side to fourteen men. This set back seemed to inspire them and running the ball from their half, scythed through a rather non existent defence to score a converted try, reducing the Holt’s lead to 8-7, which was the score at half-time.

     Although Holt had a one man advantage, they had been shown they were not going to have everything their way and this was proved after seven minutes, when the visitors kicked a penalty to gain the lead 8-10. This inspired Holt to go back at their opponents and they were rewarded when Allen was on target with a penalty to regain the lead 11-10 six minutes later. Holt’s discipline then went slightly awry when two of their players were sin binned within a minute of each other half way through the half. This gave Crusaders a one player advantage for ten minutes and they made inroads into Holt’s half on account of this and were off target with a penalty after twenty three minutes. This missed was immediately atoned for a minute later when another penalty chance was converted giving them back the lead 11-13. Holt knew, with time running out they would have to dominate the game once their miscreants came back onto the pitch, in order to make the game safe. This they did in style from two driving mauls following line outs in the Crusaders’ twenty two during the last ten minutes of the game, when Child completed his hat trick of tries for the afternoon, by making the all important scores, the first of which Allen converted. With the last try, Holt were safe with a ten point lead at 23-13 and with the final whistle going shortly after, had won a pulsating game, with the lead changing hands four times and credit to both sides for keeping a large after lunch crowd well entertained and for also stopping Crusaders’ run of wins when visiting.

This win consolidates Holt’s fourth position in the league with their eighth win of the campaign and giving them the necessary impetus for a difficult visit to Cantabrigians next Saturday. Cantabrigians are two places below in the table, but have struck a winning streak of late by winning their last two matches by comfortable margins, one of which was against second placed Stowmarket. Their ground is normally a lucky one for Holt, but there must be no room for complacency, especially as they had the first encounter narrowly by 17-15. Holt’s third team recorded yet another win in their merit table, with a resounding 58-19 win at Fakenham. The second team did not fare so well at North Walsham, losing to their third team 10-30.   

Cantabrigians 0 Holt 30 

       Yesterday Holt travelled to Cambridge for the return league fixture against Cantabrigians and hoping to complete the double, as they had narrowly won the first encounter at home 17-15. Their opponents had a good home record and had won their last two league games convincingly and would provide stiff opposition. The day was perfect, with sunshine and little or no wind, although the pitch was soft it did not spoil the fare which was offered. Holt started extremely well by taking the game well into their opponent’s half from the onset and had opened their account within two minutes, when Child scored following typical Holt driving maul. This early bonus of a 0-5 lead was the incentive for Holt to dictate play for the rest of the half. This they did with some intelligent rugby, putting their hosts under a lot of pressure and it was of no surprise when Allen converted two penalty chances after fifteen and twenty two minutes to increase the lead to 0-11. Holt really had their tails up by now and following another well directed cross kick from Brown, putting the defence in disarray for Rumsby to follow through and to win the chase for the touch down. With Allen again being on target with the conversion, the lead had increased to 0-18 with sixteen minutes of the half remaining. Holt were still the dominating side, with Cantabrigians hardly getting a look in and spending their time keeping the hungry Holt side at bay. The consistent pressure again paid off, when after thirty eight minutes, Van Portvliet broke from a maul close to the goal line to score an unconverted try, giving his side a comfortable half-time lead of 0-23.

       Holt knew at the break the game was there for the taking and would have to maintain the pressure on their opponents in the second half to ensure a victory. Holt started the half on the attack, which did not give them any points as a penalty against them helped the home side to clear their lines. Holt were now required to show their mettle in defence and they had in attack and this they did extremely well, as Cantabrigians were not the team to buckle in the face of the deficit against them. The hosts were awarded a kickable penalty after twelve minutes, but the chance went begging and Holt were able breathe a sigh of relief and to absorb the next wave of attacks. They did break out of their half and after twenty minutes reached their opponent’s five metre line and following a penalty award to them, Child scored his second try of the match and with Allen converting, the score now stood at 0-30 in the away sides favour. The rest of the match was contested mainly in the Holt half, where again their tackling was of the highest order to deny the home side of a score. In fact a good cover tackle by Brown denied Cantabrigians of what looked to be a certain try in the corner, keeping Holt’s sheet clean with a score against them. The score line remained the same for the remainder of play and Holt emerged as worthy winners by the clear cut margin of 0-30 and to maintain their excellent record of always winning on Cantabrigian’s ground and completing the double over them. This was one of Holt’s best performances of the season, showing excellent consistency throughout, both when on the attack and in defence. Next Saturday Holt are at home to Woodbridge in a delayed league fixture and again will be looking to maintain their form against a side who are two points above them in the table at third. They will be also looking to balance the books as they had lost the away fixture 15-21 and to also overtake them in the league.     

 Broadland 6 Holt 29 
        Holt travelled to Great Yarmouth this afternoon to play Broadland in The Woodforde’s Norfolk Junior Cup in defence of the trophy they won last season.

This was the third time that Holt had played Broadland on their ground in the same competition and as the previous games had gone their way, they would be looking to complete the hat trick. The weather was dry with a firm breeze blowing diagonally across   the pitch and the conditions under foot were firm. Holt played with the wind in the first half and would be hoping to establish a comfortable lead by half-time. From the onset Holt showed they were the better equipped side, but Broadland were up for the game and hoping to cause an upset. These ingredients lent themselves to an end to end cup match and both sides provided good entertainment for the spectators. Holt did have the opportunity to take the lead after eight minutes with a penalty, but the chance was not taken. Then after a quarter of an hour the visitors produced one of their lethal driving mauls for Daniels to score a try, which was converted by Allen to  put his side 0-7 ahead.

This prompted the home side to test Holt’s defence and they were awarded a penalty which was converted, reducing the margin to 3-7 with twenty minutes of the half remaining. Broadland kept up the pressure and on one occasion looked to have the line at their mercy, only for the ball to run into touch. Holt cleared their lines and went back onto the offensive, but wasted good possession on a couple of occasions. The half finished with no changes to the score in Holt’s favour, but they knew for the second half the aggression must be maintained in order to establish a winning lead.

        Holt began the half in a positive mood but relinquished possession to let the home side into their half and by conceding a penalty after three minutes, had their lead reduced to one point at 6-7. This inspired the home side to keep the pressure on and only a good tackle stopped their second row from scoring under the posts. Holt then went back onto the attack and following a line out close to the Broadland goal line, Woods scored an unconverted try to increase the lead to 6-12. With this score under their belt, Holt then produced a spell of good passing and Daniels finished off a move by scoring his second try of the match and with Allen converting, the lead had become a healthy 6-19 after twelve minutes play. The home side were required to defend for all their worth to keep a hungry Holt side out, who went close when Woods nearly scored, but despite this, Rumsby scored another unconverted try following good possession with eight minutes remaining, making the game safe at 6-24. Although the home side were contributing to the entertainment by not giving up and attempting to narrow the score line.But good defence kept them out and with the last move of the game, Van Poortvliet added his name to the try scorers by making the final score 6-29 to the visitors. Holt now progress to the semi-final, when they travel to Swaffham on the 17^th April knowing they are one stage away from another appearance in the final in their defence of the cup. Next Saturday Holt resume their league programme, when they travel to second team Stowmarket in what will be a tough encounter, especially as they have to avenge a 14-38 reverse in the home fixture.To come away with the points, would be a tremendous achievement.

 Stowmarket 17 Holt 3 

          Yesterday Holt travelled into Suffolk to play second placed Stowmarket in what would be a tough fixture, as their hosts had been scoring an average of forty four points per home game. Holt would also be hoping to avenge two earlier defeats this season by their hosts, one in the league at High Kelling and the other in The Junior Vase at Stowmarket. The home side showed from the start with their ball handling why they had been doing well this season and it was of no surprise when they scored a converted try to go into the lead 7-0. Holt were not dispirited by this and kept up their commitment to unsettle their opponents with some good play by their forwards. They were rewarded when Allen was on target with a penalty to reduce the arrears to 7-3 with half-time looming, but unfortunately Holt leaked a penalty on the stroke of the break to finish 10-3 down.

         Holt started the second half in positive mood and dominated the exchanges and kept up the pressure on their opponents and Woods came close to scoring, but was denied by good defending. Despite dictating the game, Holt could not break through and they were unlucky towards the end, when a clearing kick was charged down and Stowmarket made full use of this by scoring a converted try to give them a winning score of 17-3. Holt were left to reflect on what could have been, but could draw comfort from their opponents saying they had been in a hard game and complimented them on being worthy opposition. Next Saturday Holt entertain Southwold in the return league fixture from last December, when they came away with a draw at 5-5, thanks to a last minute face saving try. Holt have two more league matches to play and if they win both, they can certainly finish third, so the incentive is there to succeed. Holt’s 2^nd XV yesterday recorded a much needed win in their merit table, by beating Norwich Union 34-12.

Holt 14 Southwold 0 

         Southwold were the visitors to High Kelling yesterday for a return league fixture with the first encounter having ended in a draw at five all. Holt having equalised with the last move of the game and for this game would be looking to making sure they did not have to follow the same pattern. The weather was dry and the pitch firm, lending itself to a good open display of rugby. There was a slight cross breeze, but not causing any problems to either team. The game started in a lively fashion, with both sides probing at each others defences and Holt knew they would have to be at their best to subdue their eager opponents. Holt were rewarded after nine minutes when Woods touched down following a well controlled driving scum and with Allen adding the points, the hosts were 7-0 in the lead. Holt maintained the pressure but were thwarted in their efforts by some determined defence and as the half progressed, they in their turn had to show their skills in protecting their line. Half-time arrived with no further alterations to the score and Holt felt they could had a slightly healthier lead at this stage, but perhaps too much kicking had not helped their cause.

      The second half followed the same pattern as the first with both sides contributing to an entertaining game, although it was Holt who went closer to their opponent’s goal line on a number of occasions, but then wasted opportunities by conceding penalties. Southwold always looked dangerous when in possession, with their backs being fleet of foot, but Holt showed how their defence has improved considerably during the season by keeping their line intact. There were one or two scary moments when the loose ball was not properly tidied up, but generally the attacks were absorbed. With ten minutes remaining Holt managed to increase their lead, when following another driving scrum, Southwold were penalised for stopping a probable score and a penalty try was awarded, which Allen converted to increase the lead to 14-0. Holt still had to weather attacks from their opponents, but to the relief of all, held out to record a hard won victory against worthy opposition, who somewhat belied their lowly position in the league. This win consolidates Holt’s third position in the league, with close rivals Woodbridge dropping a point in their match against Ely. Next Saturday Holt travel into Suffolk again for the delayed league fixture against Thurston, who are always difficult to beat on their ground, despite their position of third from bottom in the table. Holt need to win this encounter and hope Woodbridge lose their match at Stowmarket to ensure a finish of third place in the league. Yesterday was a very good day for Holt RFC as all three teams won, the 2^nd XV winning 24-17 at Wymondham in their merit table and the 3^rd XV winning their home match comfortably 53-7 against Swaffham 2^nd XV in theirs.

Swaffham 13 Holt 40 

      To-day Holt travelled to Swaffham to play them in the semi-final of The Woodforde’s Norfolk Junior Cup and would be looking to repeat the success they had on the same ground last season at the same stage of the competition. A good omen for Holt, as they went on to win the cup, which they were now defending. The day was perfect in all aspects for a good running game in probably the warmest day of the season since September. The hosts had proved worthy opponents last season and started in a positive mood, being just off target with an early penalty attempt. This however was rectified, when after five minutes they took the lead with a penalty from the half way line making Holt realise their opponents were going to make life difficult for them. Holt did have a chance to level the score five minutes later, but the chance was not taken, leaving them trailing 3-0. However, the visitors finally got their act together, when after a quarter of an hour following a scrum, Rumsby finished off a move by scoring a try to give his side the lead at 3-5. Holt, when in possession were looking dangerous, but they also had to contain a lively home side who, threw the ball around well. Holt then went further ahead three minutes later, when Brown finished off yet another good move by scoring another unconverted try to extend the lead to 3-10. Swaffham did have the chance to reduce the arrears after twenty minutes with a penalty, but fortunately for the visitors, the chance was not taken. Half time arrived with no further change to the score line at 3-10 to Holt, who knew they would have dominate the early exchanges at the start of the second half to increase their lead and thanks to Brown converting a penalty chance after two minutes, extending the lead to 3-13. Holt still were hungry for more points and some more good passing ended with Walton scoring a try, which Brown converted, extending the lead to 3-20. This happened after nine minutes and three minutes later Brown was again on target with a penalty, giving his side a healthy lead of twenty points at 3-23. Swaffham were by no means finished and responded to these set backs by scoring an unconverted try in the corner after sixteen minutes, narrowing the margin to 8-23 and maintained their pressure on the visitors, but were unable to break down the defence. Holt then picked their game up, having allowed one or lapses to occur and swept back up the field for Rumsby to score his second try to increase the lead to 8-28 with ten minutes remaining and making the game virtually safe. Holt still had not finished and came close to scoring again, but knocked-on short of the line. This was immediately rectified by gaining a free kick following a scrum, for Mears to add his name to the try scorers and with Brown again being on target with the conversion, the score stood at a healthy 8-35 with five minutes left. From the re-start Holt kept possession and with some more good inter passing, Walton scored his second try for Holt’s tally to reach forty points. Swaffham still refused to give up and with time ticking away, were rewarded with another unconverted try making the final score line 13-40 to Holt, in a game where they had made a full contribution to the entertainment in conditions more suited to cricket. This win in the defence of the cup puts Holt in the final next Saturday away to Thetford , where they will want to put in a far more positive showing to retain the cup, than they did in the league game there in October, when they achieved a draw in the last moments of the game at eleven all.

Thetford 16 Holt 69 

       To-day Holt travelled to Thetford to play them in the final of The Woodforde’s Norfolk Junior Cup and hoping to retain possession of the trophy, having won it last season. Holt would looking to put in a vastly improved performance here, after a somewhat lack lustre league performance here last October. The day was perfect, more suited to cricket than rugby, with pleasant sunshine and a hard pitch which would lend itself to a fast running game. Holt started in a very positive frame of mind making their opponents realise to wrest the cup from them would be hard work and to capitalise on this fact, Rumsby opened the scoring. With Brown adding the points, Holt were seven up after three minutes play and four minutes later Ilsley increased the lead to 0-12. Holt were certainly showing a great hunger in their play, but Thetford to their credit came back at their visitors and narrowed the gap when their stand-off dropped a well taken goal after twenty minutes to reduce the deficit to nine points. This momentary set back was immediately addressed when Mears and Brown scored a try apiece, interspaced with another drop goal from Thetford, with Brown converting them both, Holt now had a very healthy lead of twenty points at 6-26 still with ten minutes of the half remaining. The visitors finished off the half when Wright added his name to the try scorers making the half-time score 6-31 to the cup holders. Holt knew from their first half performance they had the retention of the cup there for the taking, but knew their opponents, although being well beaten, were adding their contribution to the game through their half-backs, who never stopped probing at Holt’s defence.

        The second half began in similar vein to the first, with Holt gaining early possession for Mears to cross for another try and with Brown adding the points, the lead had increased to 6-38 after two minutes play. Stung by this setback, the hosts then launched an attack on the Holt line and were rewarded with a converted try to reduce the arrears to 13-38 after four minutes. The game was being played from end to end, but it was Holt with excellent handling who were really dictating events and it was of no surprise when Walton scored an unconverted try seven minutes later to extend the lead to 13-43. The hosts were again rewarded for their perseverance when they kicked a penalty four minutes later giving them sixteen points, but with a lot of catching on their visitors to be done, who were in no mood to be over generous. This was shown by their dominating the game for the last twenty minutes with tries being scored at frequent intervals by Ilsley, twice, Robson and it was fitting that Holt’s captain, Woods should also be amongst the try scorers. Brown converted one of the tries and Mears two more giving Holt a very rewarding victory by 69-16 and the retention of the cup in no uncertain manner. An entertaining game played in a very good spirit and full credit to Thetford for their part in the proceedings. Holt’s team consisted of eleven players who had come through the club from the mini’s and youth sections of the club, which bodes well for the future. Next Saturday, Holt entertain Diss Saracens for the Harrison Cup, which is held by their visitors and very effort will be made to win this trophy back and going on to-day’s performance, everything will be thrown into their play to achieve this.         

Holt 22 Diss Saracens 25 

      To-day Holt entertained Diss Saracens in the final match of the season for the Harrison Cup, which has been held by their visitors for the past two seasons and the incentive was there to win it back as a follow up on last weeks cup final success. The weather again was pleasant, being dry and sunny with a slight breeze. Holt made the early running and were rewarded after seven minutes when Wright scored an unconverted try to put his side in the lead at 5-0. Holt kept their lead, although Diss were showing signs of being dangerous, until the twenty fourth minute when the margin was reduced to 5-3 through a penalty. With half-time approaching Diss were still maintaining the pressure on the home side and a minute from the break they scored a converted try to take the lead at 5-10.

       Holt started the second half still on the defensive, but five minutes later they were able to put Diss under pressure and following a mistake, Garry-Ryan scored his first try for the club to level the scores at ten apiece. The level score line did not last for more than five minutes when Diss scored another try to regain the lead at 10-15.This lead did not last for long as Watson intercepted a wayward pass and raced down the field and although he was tackled, was able to pass the ball to Rumsby to score a well taken try to level the scores at fifteen all. Again Holt were not able to press home any advantage and it was their visitors who regained the lead after twenty two minutes with a penalty, making the score 15-18 in their favour. Diss again attacked the Holt line and a minute later scored another try, which was converted to put them ten points ahead at 15-25 with time running out. However Holt did not give up trying and at the close of the game, were rewarded with a try by Hill and with Ilsley converting taking the final score to 22-25 in favour of Diss. Unfortunately Holt had been unable to win back the trophy, which stays with their visitors for another season, when the opportunity to regain it will be next Easter. Holt can now have a well earned rest after a successful season, finishing third in their league and retaining The Woodforde’s Norfolk Junior Cup and for next season to set their sights on gaining promotion through the coaching skills of Steed and Chapman.