Holt v Fakenham (18.03.12)

A game with our nearest neighbours is always a competitive affair and this 'friendly' fixture was as usual, a well contested game.

Holt started well, pushing Fakenham back and with good distribution almost scored very early on, a strong tackle by Fakenham taking the Holt winger out and the corner post at the same time. It wasn't long before Holt got the first try and something of a recent rarity being scored by the forwards, to be fair they had three cracks at it, first George, then Jerry and finally Alexander drove over. No conversion. Holt 5 : Fakenham 0.

There is a ball in there somewhere, promise.

After a messy re-start by Holt in difficult conditions the ball miraculously appeared on the Holt side, not only that but in Jack W's hands and he was off, unfortunately no-one appeared to have seen him go, so support was slow to get to him. Eventually everyone caught up and Caz got the ball to Matti who spun and burst through to score under the posts, this one was converted and the score was Holt 12 : Fakenham 0. Then followed a period of phases by both teams, a game with more than the usual fumbles, not surprising as it was raining all morning and the slippery conditions certainly weren't helping either team play any champagne rugby. Fakenham benefited from one of these instances after a sustained period of pressure, which Holt looked to have managed to control, holding the visitors back on the line, until a loose ball gave Fakenham an easy scoring opportunity, which they took and converted. Half time: Holt 12 : Fakenham 7.

Ladder please.

Multiple changes were made at half time to give everybody as much rugby as possible. With over 30 players now, Holt are in a very fortunate position with plenty of players able to push for a starting position. Fakenham had only the 17 or 18 odd players, so pretty much stayed the same. The game re-started and it wasn't long before Fakenham closed the gap with a try in the corner, the conversion was missed. Holt 12 : Fakenham 12.

An early entry for this year's Turner Prize. Thanks for  taking the pics Ben. Hopefully you'll be back on the field next time.

Holt responded with a typical Simmo break, this time supported by another new recruit, Freddie, who was not only making his debut for Holt but against his former club. A pupil at Reepham, with several of the other Holt players and now having decided football is for the girls, he has seen the light and hopefully will continue to appear at Holt. Alex finished off the move that Simmo had started with Freddie securing the ruck and Alex scored in the corner. The conversion was missed and the scores were: Holt 17 : Fakenham 12.

Obviously it's very unsporting to criticise refs but come on...

Fakenham took a very deep re-start which forced Holt back to defend and before the ball could be secured and cleared the visitors drove over and crucially the try was converted giving Fakenham the lead, one which they held until the end of the game. Although Holt very nearly managed to sneak a win after Harrison 'took one for the team' from the re-start, straight in the belly. Theo drove on and Matti took the ball up the wing but it wasn't to be. Fakenham had won by two points. A good game played in good spirits and well contested.

Caz. Man of the match

Man of the match. Caz, more than ably stepping into Ally's boots at 10, another very good performance, showing great decision making and distribution. Top work.

Turd of the week. Not such a difficult one this, as anyone watching will have seen Holt were sporting the senior team reserve shirts. Somebody left our ones at home. Congratulations Rob. Wear it with pride.

North Walsham v Holt 04.03.12 (Norfolk Cup Semi-Final)

After last year's dramatic final this was always going to be a tough fixture. Okay, so we didn't win this time but there were a lot of positives to take from the game. Total commitment by all those involved, a great turn-out even though we could only play 15 plus 6 subs and more importantly nobody gave up until the very end.

'Watch and learn Matti, see how much more control I have with my mouth open'

Holt started well, a good deep kick by Callum putting Walsham on the back foot, created exactly the sort of pressure that had been discussed prior to the kick-off. Some excellent scrummaging gave Sam and Simmo the opportunity to put Callum and Matti away but with some very determined tackling Walsham always managed to just make that last tackle. Ollie B showed some super aggressive tackling from No.8 and was giving as much as he got. Harrison and Jack getting well and truly stuck in. But the pressure began to tell and Holt were driven ever further backwards and after a period of sustained pressure Walsham managed to get through to score their first try, which was converted.

'Crazy-horse' Boldero looking for his next victim.

Holt then showed how well they can play being much more dominant and fighting for every ball, Ben and Theo having to do a lot of unseen work. Walsham were always looking to counter-attack and almost made it through but they hadn't bargained for a super cover tackle by Callum. Walsham came again and this time crossed the line but the player manged to drop the ball over the line, something the refereeing team of four did see. Alex Storey also held up another try on the line, showing great awareness and strength.

Alex being supported by Harry 'no-neck' Simmo.

However, Walsham did manage to add another converted try before the end of the half but Holt made sure the home team had to work their socks off for for every ball, pushing the opposition all the way. Half time: North Walsham 14 : Holt 0.

Crafer to Simmo, aah, the good old days, eh Charlie, Mark?

The start to the second half was a messy old affair, not helped by the ever increasing rain, injuries and replacements settling in. As hard as Holt tried, and tried hard they did, with Gabriel making some strong runs supporting Callum, Matti always looking to twist and turn through, Simmo trying to work a move, Walsham just seemed to make that last tackle. To be fair the home team's rucking was very good giving them the opportunity to get away. It was one of these opportunities that Walsham scored their third converted try, breaking away and slipping through. Further changes were made to Holt, Jerry had hurt his shoulder, this meant a switch in the front row with George R propping and Robin coming back to hook, something he did very well. Everyone who came on got stuck in from the start, something that is great to see. Holt so nearly got through, Jamie on one side and Caz on the other, both supported well by runners. A great move down the right wing was halted after a high tackle to Caz, Walsham were really on their back-foot, Holt at the time progressing into the opposition twentytwo. Amazingly the decision was reversed, everyone conceded that Caz had high-tackled himself. There is no other explanation.

Caz, before he high-tackled himself.

Walsham scored a fourth try, this one not converted and the final score was: North Walsham 26 : Holt 0. We all agreed afterwards that it was Walham's turn this year, it is only fair to share, next year though...

A hose was required.

Holt should be very proud of the way they competed in this fixture, a tough game, a tough opposition but they gave a really good account of themselves until the final whistle, every single one of them.

A lovely day for rugby!

Man of the match: No individual, just the whole squad!
Turd of the week: Simples. Dean for forgetting to take the shirts home last week after getting the turd.