In a critical game in the race for promotion Holt emerged as winners, but, in an enthralling match, the result was in in doubt right up to the final whistle.
Conditions were perfect for running rugby and both sides demonstrated a willingness to move the ball and seek space on the wings. It was Ely who struck first: quick distribution between the three-quarters in their own 22 metres created space for their captain, wing three quarter Joel Scott-Paul, who converted his own try after a 50 metre run. James Wyatt, Holt’s full back, then kicked two penalties to make the score 6-7 after half an hour of play.
By this stage it was apparent that the Holt scrum had established a considerable advantage over their opponents. This allowed Bruce van Poortvliet space to make one of his trademark blindside breaks scoring a try that James Wyatt converted. Shortly afterwards Holt’s outside half, Tom Jackson, gathered his own well-judged kick ahead; the ball passed through several pairs of hands before Tom Jackson himself scored an unconverted try. The half-time score of 18-7 flattered the home side.

The second half began quietly but persistent Holt pressure gave them a penalty close to the Ely line. The quick-thinking centre Alastair Hughes took a quick tap and forced his way over giving James Wyatt an easy conversion and taking the score to 25-7. The result did not appear to be in doubt but over the last few seasons Holt supporters have learned to take nothing for granted. Tom Jackson left the field through injury, one of their players received a yellow card, and the rhythm of the match changed dramatically. Ely started to show more self-belief and scored two tries in rapid succession; both came from forwards. First, second row Mitchell Kennett forced his way over from short range; secondly a concerted move created a try for prop Erwin Nooteboom. Scott-Paul converted both and the score moved to 25-21.
To their credit Holt came back almost immediately. Following a 50 metre run by James Goodliffe, space was created out wide for James Wyatt to go over in the corner for an unconverted try. However, although they were tiring, Ely hit back: wing Luke Turner scoring an excellent try following crisp inter-passing. The reliable Scott-Paul again converted. Neither side deserved to lose but Holt ended up as winners by two points – the same margin as in the November game between the sides at Ely. Captain Ashley Woods was Holt’s Norfolk Brewhouse Man of the Match, chosen by pre-match lunch sponsors, Payne Crop Nutrition

Wymondham’s away win at Fakenham means they remain top of the table with Holt three points behind in second place and a game in hand. Holt will be away at Crusaders next week and then host neighbours Fakenham at Bridge Road. There is everything to play for in a tightly contested league that is capable of producing some surprising results.

Photo credit Steve Wells