North Walsham v Holt 13.11.11

This fixture is always very competitive and an opportunity to test ourselves to see where we are and where we need to improve. Everyone arrived in plenty of time and we had plenty of time to warm-up in preparation for the match, although there seemed to be a lack of urgency in all departments. Need to wake-up boys.

After a good start a certain pattern emerged, we would take the ball into contact and although the player going into contact went to ground the opposition managed to ruck over, far too easily. Definitely something to work on. A lot. Walsham scored their first, driving over. Maybe this was the wake-up call that was needed and it seemed to spur the Holt boys on, much more attacking and indeed Holt had Walsham pinned back on the their 5metre line. Unfortunately Holt didn't come away with any points despite such dominance.

After several phases Walsham were knocking at the Holt door and after a very brave tackle from Alexander stopping a driving forward, after Walsham had been awarded a penalty from 5metres out, the 2nd phase saw the home team edging closer and by the 3rd they were over. After this phase of play it all got a bit messy with a few fumbles and handling errors. Holt were getting more and more sucked in on what is quite a wide pitch and an overlap gave Walsham their 3rd try. Their 4th coming straight from the kick-off, it was, to be fair a great line taken at speed which broke the Holt defensive line.

At half time everybody who hadn't played came on, losing or not everybody who turns up to play rugby gets playing time and we will continue to do this. Holt started this half much better, showing more commitment and determination. Holt were attacking the Walsham line and a kick away to safety came to Miles who took it really well and went straight back into the fray, really good play. The dominance eventually paid off with Theo driving over after picking from the back of a ruck over to get the visitor's first of the match.

The play seemed very even in this half and there were chances for both sides. Jerry made several breaks, emerging from a strong Holt maul to set up the next move that gave Matti plenty of work to do but he showed his strength by breaking through from outside the Walsham 22 to go over and score.

As the tide was beginning to turn Walsham made a few changes and Holt introduced new boy Josh to the fray. Good to see him getting straight on the pitch and we will continue to look to develop the new recruits we have been so fortunate to have this season.

Walsham added two soft tries at the end of the game to give the scoreboard an impressive balance but Final score North Walsham 40 : Holt 12

Holt should have started better, rucked better and supported more. Lots to be positive about too, scrums were good, even after changing players, line-outs were competitive and handling looked good. Nobody dropped their heads and everybody got plenty of rugby.

Turd of the week was given to Alastair. By his Mum. Nuff said.