Another Saturday, another trek to East London for Holt. This week to Westcliff on Sea, in the shadow of Southend airport. Westcliff are currently top of the league, on this showing it’s not difficult to see why! Westcliff kicked off, Jackson returned the kick to touch with interest. From the line out on their own 10m line Westcliff executed a good solid catch and drive, roped in the Holt forwards, span it wide and with fast straight running, combined with superb support running, ripped straight through the Holt defence to score. The conversion was successful.

1min: Westcliff 7 Holt 0

This party trick Westcliff repeated 3 more times in the first 15 minutes. After that, an extremely rare opportunity came Holts way to touch the ball! A penalty on halfway gave Jackson the chance to push Westcliff backwards. The penalty kick to touch was over ambitious and Westcliff kicked back into Holt territory. Gill fielded the kick just inside his own half then he offloaded to Jackson who bulldozed through the centre of the Westcliff defence. Nico Allen in close support took the ball on further, he chipped the Westcliff last line of defenders, Jackson won the sprint to touch down. He also kicked the conversion.

15 mins: Westcliff 28 Holt 7

Westcliff immediately took back control, scoring 4 more tries before half time, all converted.

Half time: Westcliff 63 Holt 7

The second half carried on in exactly the same manor. Westcliff scoring 3 more tries in the first 20 mins, their 10 converting all but one of them.

20 mins: Westcliff 89 Holt 7

Another rare incursion by Holt deep into the Westcliff half came virtue of another penalty which Jackson this time, buried into the Westcliff 22. Holt took a tap and go and received another penalty on 15m. Another tap and go gained them another 5m which again Holt ran, this time spreading it wide. Jackson made the yardage before offloading to debutant Freddy Comber who dotted down to score. Jackson missed the conversion.

30 mins: Westcliff 89 Holt 12

Westcliff regained control for the last 10 mins, scoring 3 more tries, all converted before full time.

Final score: Westcliff 110 Holt 12

A dreadful scoreline? Undoubtedly, but there were silver linings in the very dark clouds! The Holt pack, missing some senior players who were unable to travel were never at any time during the game outplayed by their illustrious opposition. They won all their own ball at the set pieces, turned ball over and defended exceptionally well at the breakdown. Holts backs did what they could, however the Westcliff rush defence caught them in possession time and time again. The were forced into errors or made to kick possession away virtually every time they got the ball. Once Westcliff had the ball they were unstoppable, it appeared from the sidelines that there were 10 or a 12 more yellow and purple shirts on the pitch than black ones!

Holt shouldn't feel too bad about the result. Westcliff was simply outstanding. The video needs to be studied in great detail as it will show a master class in straight running, support running, and off loading at the right time.

Holt 1st XV have a rest week next Saturday, then resume their league season the following week February 1st when Stowmarket visit Bridge Road. In the away fixture back on October 26th Holt gained their only win so far, this season. High hopes then for a better return for the effort put than that of today! Make sure you are there to cheers on the boys; so clear your diary now!

Congratulations to our Moongazer man of the match Tom Jackson sponsored by Ellie's Ice Cream

DOTD Charlie Cowling, picked for his ability to down a pint extremely quickly! At least we were competitive at the drinking contest!.

The 2nd XV meanwhile had a magnificent win at home to Swaffham 27 points to 24.
The 3rd XV also had a superb result but came a close second to Lakenham Union 21 points to 22.