Saturday’s home game versus fellow league strugglers Woodford offered up a golden opportunity to Holt to finally kick start their season, after last week’s heroics away to Brentwood hopes were high. A huge pre match lunch, where 196 people sat down added to the almost festival atmosphere at Bridge Road, the only dampener was the weather. 60 mph winds and torrential rain was the forecast, but hopefully it would hold off.
Another Sat, so another totally different Holt XV. Out from last week were James Horth, Ollie Johnson, Ollie Pearse, Theo Craske, Harry Yarbo, Charlie Roberts, Ben Chisholm, Tom Gardiner and Duncan Ayers. In this week, Grant McConnel, Tom Goose, Chris Hill, Alex Horth, James Gosden, Callum Mackenzie, Harry Steward and Mel Gilmour.
Woodford kicked off Grant McConnell gathered and broke through only to be bought down on half way. Line out to Woodford who chipped the Holt defence, in clearing up the attack Holt conceded a penalty on their 22. Woodford kicked into the corner, a simple catch and drive saw them over the line for a try. The conversion missed.

6 mins: Holt 0 Woodford 5

The much heavier Woodford scrum was dominating the set piece ball, The Woodford attack however were generous offering Holt several opportunities to attack from deep with some very poor tactical kicking which the Holt back three of McConnel, Mckenzie and Jackson found simple to deal with. However, time and again a promising attack from deep would founder as passes went adrift or players got caught in possession, then the process would start again. Holts only point scoring attempt was when they won a penalty on half way which was marched forward an extra 10m. Harry Steward went for goal but was wide. From the long drop out Jackson gathered deep in his own half and returned the ball into the Woodford 22 gaining a 50/22 line out. A Holt penalty enabled Jackson to once more pin Woodford back in their own 22. A catch and drive saw Holt advance but a knock on lost possession.

Half Time: Holt 0 Woodford 5

The only change at half time saw Pete Medler come on in place of young Leo Kemp, who had a difficult time in the first half due to the overwhelming dominance of the Woodford pack int the set piece. It’s extremely difficult for a scrum half with the scrum going backwards! Shortly after Charlie Mason came on in the front row in place of Chris Hunt, this seemed to stabilise the scrum and the Woodford superiority appeared to be annulled. Holt carried much as before but the attacks were still breaking down. Although some measure of parity was now being achieved in the set piece the Woodford forwards were very effective at shoving the ball up their jumpers and trundling down the pitch keeping possession and making defensive, stamina sapping yards at every opportunity. A Woodford penalty on half way saw them kick to the corner, the kick was over long and went into touch in the dead ball area. From the resulting scrum on half way the ball was spread wide to McConnell and Mackenzie who made good ground, recycling well. Holt again attacked but were bought down on the Woodford 22 and penalised.
Woodford kicked back up to the Holt 10m line, they won the line but Holt turned the ball over, immediately the ball was spun down the line, this time there were no errors, Jackson receiving the last pass just inside his own half, he burst through the fragmented Woodford defence rounded the last two defenders before touching down in the corner. He converted his own try. And extended their lead,
15 mins: Holt 7 Woodford 5

From a line out on the Holt 10m line the big Woodford pack drove Holt backwards into the 22, a penalty 15m out saw them reestablish their lead.

20 mins: Holt 7 Woodford 8

Another Woodford penalty some 5 mins later enabled them once more to drive Holt back into the 22. A catch and drive from a 5m line out saw them stretch their lead, the successful conversion extended it further.

25 mins: Holt 7 Woodford 15

Harry Steward was bought down on the half way line. The game was held up for several minutes as he received attention, he was carried off and replaced by Mel Gilmour. He was later found to have a broken ankle. Holt continued to assault the Woodford defence but they were unable to fashion the desperately required score despite spending a considerable amount of time camped deep in the Woodford half. Woodford gratefully hoofed the ball into touch from a penalty in their 22 to bring the game to an end.

Final score: Holt 7 Woodford 15

A good game to watch considering the weather conditions, very greasy pitch and ball. To an impartial observer probably enthralling. To a Woodford supporter a fantastic result. To a Holt supporter, deeply disappointing. Holt continue to do (to paraphrase a well known comedy sketch), all the right things, but not necessarily in the right order. It was a game that Holt really could have done with winning and was definitely a game that Holt could have won. The pressure now on both the players and coaching team will become intense. Next week marks the start of the second half of the season with an away trip to Eton Manor.
Can Holt step up? We all know that they are capable of playing good skilful winning rugby but they’re not getting the results that to be fair, at times they have deserved. It’s going to take a lot of time and effort , and no little skill to keep the players in the right frame of mind to turn things round and start a winning streak. It’s not over by a long way. We of course wish Harry Steward all the best, he will receive the very best support that we can offer.

Congratulations to our Moongazerale man of the match Guy Savory A good dynamic performance from the young flanker. Has a great future.
DOTD Pete Medler.......why not?

The seconds went down to Lakenham Union 52:10. A team who came about a couple seasons ago when Lakenham Hewitt and Norwich Union decided to join forces. they are currently sitting top of the league and are having a great season. The 3rds had a week off.

Next Saturday has a full fixture list with all three teams in action. The 1sts away at Eton Manor, 2nds at home to North Walsham, The 3rds away to Lowestoft and Yarmouth. Please give whichever team you can manage to follow your fullest support. The lads are giving it everything for our entertainment, we can do our bit from the side line!