"One of the most thrilling conclusions to a game in recent memory"

Holt 1st XV 24 v 22 Norwich RFC (Home league WIN)
Dereham 0 v 32 Holt 2s (Away league WIN)

Well. What a perfect day for our supporters! I've never heard the crowd so pumped as when yesterday afternoon's final whistle blew at Bridge Road. It was just brilliant - fantastic - our supporters were raucous with joy for our first league win of the new season, playing at our highest ever level!

It had been another week of player injury and illness but the team spirit was staying strong and it was soon clear from our Head Coach Phil that they were 'going for it'. The day started with perfectly sunny weather - a bonus when having to man the car park. For those coming to the pre-match lunch kindly sponsored by Pointens, according to our Chairman Rob, 'it was spot on!' Thank you as ever to to our Touch Judge Roy Lawrence for so enthusiastically mentoring our rooky U16 linesmen Mark & Nelson, who did a splendid job. Thank you also to the dozen U12 enthusiastic mascots, with Minis Chair later commenting: 'it's great to see the youth merging in to the senior game, this makes for a stronger club going forward.' And then there was the game, with our last minute win! Thank you to our Vice Chair Geoff Flather who snapped the above at the end saying, 'our club summed up in one photo'. Thank you as ever to our club photographer Simon Watson for taking some superb shots of the game - there is a technical issue uploading these today for which I apologise; they will be uploaded to our website as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance to our exuberant Fixtures Secretary & 1st XV Manager Martyn Jackson for his detailed Match Report which will follow as soon as it's in.

Many thanks to our waxing lyrical Head Coach Phil Sharpe for the following post-match feedback: "On another splendid day, the radiant sun cast its warmth upon the meticulously groomed paddocks of the owl sanctuary, creating a picturesque backdrop. Enthusiastic supporters and players alike gathered to witness one of the most thrilling conclusions to a game in recent memory.

In the first half, we found ourselves chasing the game, burdened by self-imposed pressure that led to a flurry of mistakes and questionable decisions, a stark contrast to our previous season's performance. The match ebbed and flowed like an intense game of tennis, with neither side gaining a significant advantage.

However, as the clock ticked down to the last few minutes, Holt managed to recapture their form from previous matches. With a display that mirrored their later-season prowess, they skillfully outmaneuvered Norwich and secured a dramatic victory, basking in the glory of their late-game heroics.

This memorable day wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Mark and Nelson, our vigilant linesmen, and the spirited support from the u12’s who served as excellent ball boys and enthusiastic flag bearers. Last but not least, a resounding shoutout to the loudest crowd in Norfolk, whose unwavering support added an unforgettable dimension to this remarkable match day".

Nick Harding the 2s Head Coach commented after their away win: "It was a great result! After a strong start up by 12 after 4 minutes, Dereham got themselves organised and camped in our 22 but could not find a way through the defence. Strong up front work by our forwards gave us a great platform to play from, but we struggled to convert play into points. A couple of changes and a real desire to put the game to bed in the second half saw the boys finish the job. This was a very encouraging performance with plenty of positives". Congratulations to 2nd XV Man of the Match Oli Pearse for his attack, control & kicking game.

3rds Captain Ben Perowne has commented following the postponement of their home fixture against Lowestoft & Yarmouth: "We as a team were disappointed in the postponement and delayed start to our league season when the turn out for training in the build up had been so strong. We look forward to kicking off our league campaign properly next weekend against North Walsham 3s!"

Martyn's detailed match report is available to read on a separate post.

In the meantime, congratulations go to Moongazerale 1st XV Man of the Match Taylor Gowling for his big carries, solid defence and work rate around the pitch, whilst also getting a score to his name. Taylor is sponsored by The Brisley Bell.

Well done to everyone who pulled a shirt on this weekend, and to all the home support. As Geoff worded it this morning, "Sundays always feel better after a win!"

Next weekend Saturday 23rd Sept sees the 1st XV playing away at Dagenham, with their return to Bridge Road against Chelmsford on Saturday 30th Sept when we have our next pre-match lunch. Please book now to secure your place with Geoff at lunches@holtrfc.com. Next Saturday 23rd also sees the 2s playing a home game against Norwich Union, with the 3s playing away against Walsham 3s. All the teams welcome as much vocal support as possible, home and away, so please make a note in your diaries and make your Saturday afternoons rugby filled, somewhere!