Thank you to Ed Steed for this match report

A large crowd at Bridge Road were treated to a veritable feast of free flowing rugby as they witnessed one of the most exciting Boxing day matches in recent times. A strong, carefully selected Presidents XV took on Holt 1st XV on an unseasonably sunny and dry boxing day morning making conditions perfect for an open game.
In a match that produced a total of thirteen tries (5 for the home side and 8 for the guests) there was barely an opportunity for either set of players to rest. The match was superbly officiated by the returning David Speck allowing for free flowing rugby to be played at pace.
Holt looked to have the upper hand in the early exchanges playing the majority of the opening 10 minutes in their opponent’s half. The presidents XV however looked dangerous on the break with a pacey and skilful set of backs prepared to run from anywhere. Half backs, Chilli and Josh Simmonds were quick to release the ball wide at every opportunity and young Jack Webster and George Seaman gave them the opportunity, with ball stolen in open play. Special mentions for the presidents could not ignore Tom Lomax at fullback and the combination of centre, James Buckland and winger Callum Mackenzie who terrorized in the wide channels. Mackenzie ending the day with a hat-trick and scoring a wonderful individual effort from 75 metres out.
Holt’s captain on the day Rob Gray led from the front with typically effective attacking and defensive play and will be pleased with the efforts of his squad, resulting in five trys with a further three opportunities finishing just inches short in the face of some committed last ditch defence.
Four trys to three in the second half (in favour of the visitors) with each side alternating their scores right up to the final whistle was a fantastic way to end a game played in the true spirit of rugby. The match will long stay in the memory of those supporters and rugby friends attending what is undoubtedly a most enjoyable boxing day tradition. Final score Holt RFC 25 Presidents XV 44.