Match Report: With the Royal British Legion, we paid tribute on Armistice Day

Holt 1st XV 31:14 Stowmarket (Home league bonus point win)
Holt 2s v Broadland & GY (Home conceded win)
Holt 3s 17:5 Southwold (Home friendly win)

Holt 1st XVs latest test was against Stowmarket. Prior to yesterday Stowmarket were sitting one place above Holt in the league. Holt and Stowmarket are of course old rivals and have played many times, although not for several years, but this match-up had high stakes.

After last week’s heroics at Brentwood, Holt getting their first away win of the season, our hopes were high, indeed our confidence was high. Thank you as ever to 1st XV Manager Martyn Jackson for his detailed 1st XV Match Report which you can read further down.

A fantastic set of results at Bridge Road saw both sides coming away with wins, the 1st XV securing a bonus point win to move them up into 8th in the league. Unfortunately our 2nd XV league game against Great Yarmouth and Broadland was cancelled with opponents conceding the fixture. Meanwhile on the 2nd team pitch, the 3rds were hosting a friendly against Southwold 2nds. Thank you to them for travelling to give our players a game, with Holt running in winners.

Thank you to Adam Pryke for kindly stepping in to take some superb photography yesterday. Please click here for the photos both of the 1st XV game and of the pre-match 2 minutes silence on Armistice Day.

Holt, Stowmarket and Southwold players, officials and supporters all respected the silence, lead by Brian and Ernie, Royal British Legion Standard Bearers for the Holt and Sheringham branches respectively. We thank you.

Thank you as ever to Head Coach Phil Sharpe for his post match comments: - "Another great day at Bridge Road for the Owls. It was moving to see so many players lined up before the game showing their respect for remembrance day.

The 1’s took a good home victory against solid opposition from Stowmarket. In the first half we demonstrated some great decision-making however we know we must be more clinical and will continue to work on that but do so continuing to enjoy rugby and the whole rugby experience. It’s great to see players coming through exhibiting their leadership and demonstrating why they’re proud to play for Holt and express the open and flowing game we want to play. We were unhindered this week by opposition killing the game; Stowmarket are a fit and well drilled side and wanted to play.

We could easily have put out four sides this weekend. Unfortunately finding opposition is proving increasingly difficult. We’re very grateful to Southwold 2’s for stepping up and playing our 3’s, a great game played in the true spirit of rugby.

We now focus on training again this week and pushing on to another long trip away this time to Woodford where I’m sure will be met with a young well drilled team and another great test. Finally, thanks again to our loud and motivational supporters who stood in most places four deep around the pitch, making their presence felt you are all amazing".

Martyn's 1st XV Match Report: - "Holt started at a ferocious pace, forcing Stowmarket deep into their own 22 and, despite the occasional foray out, that’s where the game was played for the first 20 mins. Despite great defence from Stowmarket, Holt eventually managed to create a try. Following a trademark thunderous run from Taylor Gowing, Stowmarket infringed gifting Holt a penalty on the Stow 22, and Jackson kicked into the corner. Holt deployed coach Phil Sharp’s secret weapon, the 11-man line out; Stowmarket had no defence against an 11-man driving maul which charged over the Stowmarket line. Freddy Papworth emerged from the pile of Holt players with the ball claiming the try. Jackson missed the conversion.

20 mins: Holt 5 Stowmarket 0

Stowmarket kicked off; an exchange of kicks ended with Tom Gosden charging forward before being bought down on the Stowmarket 22 by an illegal high tackle. Holt fluffed their lined out and Stowmarket earned a penalty which they kicked deep into Holt territory, but Jackson managed to keep the ball in play on his own 22. Jackson attacked from there, chipped over the Stowmarket defence, the bounce was kind and he gathered leaving only the Stowmarket fullback between him and the line. Jackson off loaded to Grant McConnell who was racing up in support and McConnell finished off. This move had the crowd excited! Jackson got the conversion.

25 mins: Holt 12 Stowmarket 0.

Stowmarket began to fight back into the game and threatened Holt with some good attacks, but the Holt defence held solid. On 43 mins Jackson cleared Holt’s lines from a Stowmarket attack up to half way. Holt won the line out and spread the ball through the hands, the move breaking down about 10m out by a Stowmarket knock-on. Holt won the scrum, kept possession, ran 3 or 4 phases then spread the ball wide, Jackson hit a great line 10m out from the posts and cruised over for Holts 3rd try. The conversion was good.

From the kick-off Holt won a penalty on the Stowmarket 10m line. Jackson chose to go for the posts mainly to run the clock down for half time. The kick missed and the ref blew for half time.

45 mins: Holt 19 Stowmarket 0

Stowmarket attacked relentlessly from the kck-off, and after 20 mins the Holt defence was finally breached, Stowmarket going over for a converted try.

20 mins: Holt 19 Stowmarket 7

Holt went straight back at Stowmarket and, after several phases, Henry Perowne seized the ball on the halfway line and charged at the Stowmarket defence making upwards of 25m. The ball was moved wide to Tom Thrower who was having an excellent all-round game, to go over in the corner for Holt’s 4th, and bonus point try. Jackson nailed the kick.

25 mins: Holt 26 Stowmarket 7

The game was still being played at an amazing pace, deep into the second half, but Holt’s superior fitness was beginning to tell. After almost every breakdown Stowmarket players were scattered about the pitch, but still they managed to force a penalty on the Holt line which they tapped and crashed over for their second try on 30 mins.

30 mins: Holt 26 Stowmarket 14

After 34 mins Holt were awarded a penalty on the Stowmarket 10m line. Jackson drilled it up to the Stowmarket 22, Pete Medler, another Holt player having a superb game, broke through the Stowmarket defence and offloaded to Freddy Papworth who went over for his second and Holt 5th try. Jackson missed the kick.

40 mins: Holt 31 Stowmarket 14

The referee decided that there was upwards of 15 mins injury time to play so the game carried on. Although to the very end it was thrilling high octane stuff, there were no further scores.

Final score: Holt 31 Stowmarket 14

This was a great match - exciting, fast, and very well played by both teams. Holt can be feeling very pleased with themselves with two consecutive wins against very good teams. Our latest win puts Holt up to 8th in the league with an away game at Woodford to look forward to next Saturday 18th; currently Woodford are positioned a few places ahead, 3rd in the league - so it will be a tough ask but one we relish.

Congratulations to our Moongazerale Man of the match Tom Thrower who got another spectacular try to win Holt the bonus point. Tom is the youngest player in the squad and has, within 3 games of becoming eligible to play senior rugby, made the right wing berth his own, again giving another magnificent all-round display in both defence and attack. Tom Thrower this season is sponsored by Larking Gowen. In the Tertian’s game against Southwold 2’s, congratulations to their Man of the Match Alexander Horth
1st XV DOTD was Freddy Papworth, who took one for the team!

We look forward to seeing as many supporters as possible at any of the 3 away games next weekend; your positive vocal support is always invaluable to the players.