On 25 August Holt put out three senior teams to play their first competitive games of the pre-season away to Norwich. As ever the club rivalry was determined and at times fierce, and, with Holt keen to rotate various existing and new players between the 1st and 2nd squads on the day, disruption to the playing sides inevitably occurred. However, coaches Phil and Ed and captain Ashley will have gained huge knowledge regarding the strengths within the total senior squad which will be helpful for the start of the League season when the 1st XV host Woodbridge at Bridge Road on 8 September.

The spirit and courage of the 1st team squad against Norwich 1st team shone through following a first half lead of 12-3 reduced to a 12-20 deficit with 10 minutes remaining. Those final 10 minutes saw Holt run in a converted try and, with just 2 minutes to full time, a combined thee-quarter movement saw Ollie Woodrow run in a try, giving Holt a win by 24 – 20.
A fitting result for a squad in their first competitive outing of the new season, against a club in the League above Holt.