The last time Holt played Thurston, at Thurston, it was in torrential rain. Yesterday was the first game of the 22/23 season and we saw bright sunshine and a sprinkler system on the pitch to make it playable!

Thurston kicked off deep into Holt territory, the kick was fielded by full back no15 Ali Hughes and delivered straight back, an exchange of kicks followed culminating in a line out on Holt's 22. Holt infringed, gifting Thurston a penalty; Thurston then infringed themselves. Holt cleared their lines, and another exchange of kicks saw Thurston once more gaining a line out in Holt's 22; this time they won possession. Their inside centre burst through the Holt defence, and despite great defence keeping them him out, Thurston scrambled over for a try; the conversion was missed. 7 mins Thurston 5 Holt 0.

Holt kicked off and immediately gained a scrum in the Thurston 22. Holt won the scrum and attacked through a number of phases before no7 Charlie Howard crashed over in the corner; no10 Jake Mermagen was successful with the kick. 12 mins Thurston 5 Holt 7.

Thurston restarted and a period of entertaining counter-attacking by both sides culminated with Holt being awarded a scrum in Thurston's 22. No8 Rory Fryer broke from the scrum on the blind side, off loaded to scrum-half Peter Medler who went over for the try; Mermagen missed the conversion. 26 mins Thurston 5 Holt 12.

Another highly entertaining tightly fought session played out the 1st half with both teams giving everything and playing some great attacking rugby, and showing some equally great defence. Half time Thurston 5 Holt 12.

Holt kicked off the 2nd half and it was apparent that a change of plan was to be implemented. Possession was gained from a break-down and the ball was immediately spread wide through the hands. Several phases of hard running ended up with Ali Hughes crossing for a try; Mermagen missed the kick. 45 mins Thurston 5 Holt 17.

No2 Freddie Mann went off and was replaced with veteran no16 Chris Hill. From the KO Holt again attacked Thurston. Peter Medlar chipped over the Thurston defence from about 15m out and Jake Mermagen, chasing the kick, was body checked so the referee decided to award a penalty try. 50 mins Thurston 5 Holt 24.

Again from the KO Holt threw everything at the home side. Thurston attacked back but no12 captain Tom Jackson intercepted a pass and made 30m before being tackled, managing first to off load in the tackle to his centre partner no13 Aaron Tagg, who scored; Mermagen was successful with the kick. 60 mins Thurston 5 Holt 31.

Another period of close-fought attack and counter-attack followed. A holt scrum on the Thurston 10m line was well won by Holt, Rory Fryer broke from the base and once more linked up with scrum half Peter Medler. Medler had a lot to do but outpaced the home defence to sprint in from 40m; Mermagen's kick was good. 70 mins Thurston 5 Holt 38.

Yet again from the KO a highly competitive period followed with Thurston throwing everything at the Holt defence. They eventually found the gap and forced the Holt defence back to score a late try; the kick was missed. Final score Thurston 10 Holt 38.

This was a very good win on the road against a good side. There were first team debuts for no6 Nick Harding and no14 George Gill who both played very well. The score didn't reflect the game. Holt made and took their chances really well, and defended superbly against some pretty determined Thurston attacks.

Congratulations to the Moongazer Man of the Match, no15 Ali Hughes for his huge performance in attack and defence.
Dick of the day, no11 Ollie Woodrow.

Scorers: -
Tries - Ali Hughes, Pete Medler (2) Charlie Howard, Aaron Tagg plus 1 penalty try.
Conversions - Jake Mermagen (5).

As said in yesterday's post - we hope to see you support our team's forthcoming home games at Bridge Road. Our pitches are hard, but we think playable, and so we anticipate being able to fulfil our first scheduled senior home games next Saturday 10th of September. The lack of rainfall is a worry, so a decision on their suitability to play will be made during next week. Please watch out for further news. The opposition that day will be Shelford 2’s for our 1st XV and Norwich 2’s for our 2nd XV. There will be a pre-match lunch to which you are all invited. Please don't forget to get in touch with Mike Bush for your pre-match lunch tickets, as quickly as you can, and certainly by the Wednesday 7th evening please.