1st XV Match Report: 1st away win of the season!

Brentwood 14 v 20 Holt 1st XV (Away league win)
Wymondham 2s 44 v 5 Holt 2s (Away league loss)
Thetford 42 v 26 Holt 3s (Away loss in newly restructured league)

After the torrential rain of the last few days, Holt 1st XV kicked off their latest league fixture away on the outskirts of London against 5th placed Brentwood; we had surprisingly benign conditions, sunny and quite warm.

Post match comment from Head Coach Phil Sharpe: "We made the long trip down to Brentwood’s sloping pitch knowing it would be a hard game but confident in our ability and skill set. We pride ourselves on coming up with unexpected plays and patterns, and it was a delight to see our 11 man lineout succeed in a score. The players felt that they were always in the game and fought hard in defence to ensure we did all we could to protect our line. The players all left the pitch with their heads held high having battled to defend with courage and played to attack with creativity. It was also great to see and hear so many Holt supporters at the ground encouraging the boys".

Thank you to 1st XV Team Manager and Fixtures Secretary Martyn Jackson for his 1st XV Match Report: "Holt played down the infamous Brentwood slope to start and immediately set up camp in the Brentwood 22. This was to be the case for the next 30 odd mins with only occasional breakouts by the home team into the Holt half. Eventually the pressure earned rewards with Holt getting a penalty which Jackson converted.
Brentwood 0 Holt 3.

After a brief respite when Brentwood kicked off into the Holt half, good tactical kicking saw Holt reestablish themselves in the Brentwood 22. Holt were comfortably winning both scrums and lineouts, and only being kept off the scoreboard by heroic Brentwood defence. Tom Gosden broke the stale mate, crashing over out wide for a try. Jackson missed the conversion.
Brentwood 0 Holt 8.

Brentwood attacked again from the kick off and pinned Holt back in their own half for the remainder of the first 40 mins. Jackson booted the ball into touch from behind his own goal line to bring the 1st half to a close.
Half time: Brentwood 0 Holt 8.

Brentwood came out of the blocks at the start of the 2nd half, playing now with the slope, they quickly charged at Holt who defended well but Brentwood crossed for a try out wide after several phases. The conversion was good.
Brentwood 7 Holt 8.

20 mins later Brentwood scored a second try after almost constant pressure. The conversion was good.
Brentwood 14 Holt 8.

Holt attacked up the hill from the start. A sense of belief was palpable throughout the team as the game went on. Moves that broke down in the 1st half were starting to come together. Brentwood were kicking down the slope almost constantly but the back 3 of Charlie Gill, Ollie Woodrow and young Tom Thrower were dealing with the kicking brilliantly and returning the ball with interest time after time. Ollie Woodrow eventually wriggled free to score Holt's 2nd try, after 35 mins. The conversion was missed.
Brentwood 14 Holt 13.

An epic final 5 mins was added to by the referee with another 15 mins extra for injury time, leaving the Brentwood crowd desperate to hear the whistle and the Holt faithful desperate for one last push. The Holt faithful got their wish! After a sweeping attack with the ball being moved through several pairs of hands, both forwards and backs, Grant McConnell crossed for a try. The referee judged that the tackle on him on the line to be high and awarded a penalty try on 45 mins.
Brentwood 14 Holt 20.

Magnificent defence from Holt kept Brentwood at bay for the last 10 mins.
Final score: Brentwood 14 Holt 20.

It was a tense but fantastic match with Holt finally securing 4 points away; the 1st away win this season for the 1st team; brilliant! To view photos please click here, however we had no match photographer so these were only taken using my mobile.

Thank you to Phil Sharpe who continued: "This week’s result was a true team performance from 1 to 18. As coaches it was once again a hugely difficult decision to decide on one player to be awarded Player of the Match, as every Holt player gave a tremendous amount to the result, and to each aspect of the game, stepping up and taking responsibility for their actions. It was decided on this occasion to recognise three players for their contribution and award Moongazerale Player of the Match to 3 players. In the forwards, Henry Perowne (sponsored by Martyn Sloman & Jo Lincoln) stepped up this week and, with his fellow front row, owned the scrums. In the backs, Ali Hughes (sponsored by Daniel Connal Partnership) made impressive line breaks setting up a stable platform to play from, and overall Ed Briscoe (sponsored by LG Harrison & Son) excelled in his new found freedom at 6.
The whole team contributed to today's achievement, along with the vocal and relentless support from our dedicated supporters who made the long trip, the support staff, Mark Drewry running the line and assisting our Manager Adam Godwin, who we are already indebted to. Scott and I have relished in this week's events from training to selection, to the travel and the game".

Congratulations also go to the 2nd team player of the match, Alfy Woolcock and 3rd team player of the match Morgan Gowing.

This Saturday 11th November, is a busy one seeing all 3 teams playing at home!

WE REMEMBER
On Saturday 11th we remember those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts; from the beginning of the First World War right up to the present day. We also remember all those who have served and their families. On Saturday we will be honoured with the presence of 3 local Royal British Legion Standard Bearers, who will lead us in two minutes of respectful silence for Remembrance Day. This will be prior to the kick off at 2pm; the teams will then disperse to their respective pitches for kick offs circa 2.15pm. We will have 2 home league games, 1st and 2nd teams plus a 3rd team friendly.

There will be a pre-match lunch at Bridge Road and bookings as usual can be made asap via Geoff by email lunches@holtrfc.com. Please meet for 1145 for a 1215 sit-down. Many thanks to our pre-match lunch sponsors Birketts, Dalbo and Norfolk Bluebell Burial Park

The 2nds are also playing at home against Yarmouth & Broadland.

The 3rds have a friendly against Stowmarket 3rds; this is a genuine friendly. There are no restrictions on numbers, so anyone who fancies a run about please feel free to bring your boots!