The habit of prepping the boys for these games by going back into the changing room is one that seems to focus their minds. It certainly did yesterday.
An extremely blustery day meant any long pass or kick could go anywhere, in fact on one line out the ball seemed to swerve one way then the other. L&Y lined up looking big and strong and many of the Holt boys in the changing room were focusing too much on the opposition rather than their own game. However Holt came charging out of their blocks, a caught kick-off by Alexander, who shipped the ball first to Callum and then on to Matti, who sped up the wing to score under the posts, giving Ally a good shot at goal, which he took. Holt 7 : L&Y 0.
The next kick-off wasn't quite so one-sided and resulted in the first scrum of the day, which was won against the head by Holt, followed by a strong run by Jack B up the wing, before being bundled into touch. A scruffy line-out was won by Holt, Matti made an initial break into contact, Callum picked up the loose ball and was away, again under the posts. Another conversion by Ally made it Holt 14 : L&Y 0.
Holt's third try after Theo took the ball into contact, the re-cycled ball was distributed by Simmo, Ally and Callum, eventually finding Matti, who raced up the wing to score his second of the morning. A much trickier kick for Ally this time from the touchline, one which Ally took very well, using the wind from behind him to guide it through the posts. Holt 21 : L&Y 0. This last try seemed to spur L&Y on to up their game, no doubt the long journey taking its toll, the visitors were certainly looking more threatening. However Holt responded well, with strong work all round, a break by Alex on the right wing almost produced another try but he was eventually brought down by a pack of L&Y players, the ball however was safely re-cycled and Simmo, quick to the action as ever, shipped the ball left spreading the play across the backs where it eventually came to Jack B to run it in from the wing, even if he did need to juggle it in mid-air. The wind got the better of Ally for this conversion. Holt 26 : L&Y 0.
Another good re-start saw Theo make a clean catch and take on the opposition and just as he thought he was going to break through, approaching the L&Y twenty-two, he was brought down. As the half was coming to an end there were several phases of play with Holt looking to add to their score. Brilliant rucking in the centre of the pitch by Alexander, Jerry supporting his fellow prop in strength and aggression. Both flankers, Jack W and Robin, were looking sharp, attacking any scrum won by L&Y. It was Callum who had the last say of the half, after some great work by Harrison, intercepting a pass and making an easy score. The conversion meant the half finished Holt 33 : L&Y 0.
Wholesale changes were made at half-time, with a squad of 30 now there were plenty of fresh legs to come on and show their skills. The strength of the squad is crucial for all the players to improve their own individual game, as well as that of the actual age group. To be able to practice set pieces, play scenarios with x2 full teams is a great advantage. One of those players who was keen to show what he can do was the scorer of the next try and indeed the Man-Of-The-Match, Miles, great to see the joy of what scoring meant, not only scoring but then converting his own try, even if some of his fellow team mates were saying he was going to undo all the good work before the kick.
L&Y had started the second half well and were looking more and more like scoring, getting closer and closer to the Holt try line, a resolute defense managed to keep the visitors at bay, just. Jerry then showed how his real determination, making a break deep into L&Y's half, Matti highlighting what can happen when you support the runner, took on the charge and scored a simple try. Miles again converted. Holt 47 : L&Y 0. The pressure L&Y had been showing earlier in the half eventually paid off and after beating on the door for several minutes a resulting 5metre penalty was delivered to one of their big strong players who drove over, despite some desperate defence on the line. The conversion was missed. Holt 47 : L&Y 5.
After more rolling subs and players trying out different positions, Holt's 8th try came courtesy of Dean who had come on the left wing, a typical strong run knocking anyone out of the way in the process, scoring near the posts. The conversion meant it was Holt 54 : L&Y 5. Simmo, not to be outdone by all the new players scoring, picked up a ball from a messy start where nobody seemed to want to claim the kick and after starting in the middle of the pitch, veered out to the wing and with Dean in support all the way to the line, scored in the corner. No conversion this time, Holt 59 : L&Y 5.
Holt's 10th and final try was the result of a dream debut for Gabriel, first session at Holt, first game, first try. And it wasn't a simple one, showing great strength and pace he sped down the right wing to go over with enough time to get under the posts and touch the ball down. The conversion made it Holt 66 : L&Y 5. The final whistle came soon after the re-start, L&Y still not giving up the ghost and continuing to push, looking to add to their score but it wasn't to be.
A very pleasing scoreline but still plenty of areas to tighten up before the cup game against Wymondham in just two weeks time. Let's have good numbers again next week for a really good session, the better the numbers, the better the session and this is everybody's opportunity to put their hands up and stake their claim for a start. Good work fellas and thank you everyone for your help during the game and afterwards in the clubhouse, not only for this week but also last week against Fakenham.
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