After being postponed for two weeks both clubs were desperate to get this game on. Holt and Wymondham haven't met for far too long and everyone involved knew this was going to be a tough fixture.
As expected right from the start both teams were up for the challenge and a lot of the initial play was in the middle of the pitch, each team countering the other's attacks. It wasn't long before a break came from Holt when Simmo chipped and chased putting Holt in the visitor's 22. Wymondham however came back working their way to the centre of the pitch and after some very good defence by Holt Ally grubbered a kick through, which was followed up by a great chase, as were all kicks, all morning. From the resulting 5m scrum, Wymondham being put under pressure by Holt, Simmo picked from the base and went blind to score in the left corner. A tricky conversion was just missed. Holt 5 - Wymondham 0.
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| The forwards doing their stuff while the backs wait. |
Holt's second try came, again from Simmo but this one after Jacko had made one of his powerful breaks, taking players with him, as usual. Yet again as was the case all morning Holt's forwards in the scrum and loose providing the kind of platform for the backs to make their breaks from. This try was scored over in the right corner but Simmo had enough time to get nearer the posts and Ally converted to make it Holt 12 - Wymondham 0.
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| Penalty. Three points, thank you. |
It wasn't long before Holt added to the score, this time from a penalty. The offence was virtually in front of the posts and it was easy 3 points to take. Holt 14 - Wymondham 0. Wymondham responded after stretching the Holt defence on the right hand side and then switched right across the pitch to the left to go over in the corner, no conversion. Holt 15 - Wymondham 5.
Holt could and should have gone further ahead after a try was disallowed for a forward pass, the pass was forward, just. it could have been avoided. Half time.
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| Surprise, surprise, it's ruck time. |
The second half saw Holt playing slightly downhill with the wind blowing everywhere. Holt knew Wymondham were going to keep coming back and not give up, so it was to Holt's great credit that they really gave their all in defending any Wymondham attack, the forwards really taking to the challenge and using real aggression to win their scrums including some against the head, rucks and counter rucks were also fiercely contested. Not only that but there was more than one driving maul, one particular one with Theo taking the ball in and being driven on by the Holt forwards for almost 20metres. Holt making driving mauls, virtually unheard of. There were rucks aplenty and Wymondham showed how this was their game, looking to get up very quick at the breakdown and snuffle any loose ball. However, Holt had no intention of giving an inch to Wymondham and a real battle was being played out by the forwards.
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| And yet another ruck. |
Shed, who injured his elbow was replaced by Caz, with Alex Storey switching to fullback. Holt's next try started way back in Holt's half after a bit of a mix-up between two players but Alex Storey showing superb strength and determination to hold off the attacking players, the ball came out to Simmo who somehow ran, skipped, burst through the Wymondham defence only being held up just short of the line but with Jacko there to take the pop, all he had to do was dive to score right in the corner. No conversion. Holt 20 - Wymondham 5.
Holt added another score with Alex benefiting from more lovely work by the forwards, this time Theo, Ben and James combining to secure possession. Alex broke away and went straight under the posts. An easy conversion for Ally, which he missed. Holt 25 - Wymondham 5.
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| Callum (on the floor) protecting himself from any fallout... |
Callum scored Holt's penultimate try, breaking down the right and feinting to cut inside, thereby creating himself enough space to go over in the corner. Lovely speed, lovely try. With the wind blowing all over the place and this conversion being right over on the right it was a tough conversion for Ally, which he missed. Holt 30 - Wymondham 5.
Wymondham never let their heads go down and although the clock was ticking away they were putting in some determined moves and their hard work was rewarded with a score in the far corner. No conversion. Holt 30 - Wymondham 10.
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| Jack. Crunch. |
Matti scored Holt's final try, again from another great scrum, the Wymondham number eight picking from the base, as he done a lot during the game but was driven back by the Holt back row forwards. The ball was won by Holt, Simmo had a look, passed to Ally who sent it to Matti who broke away to score under the posts. No conversion. No comment. Holt 35 - Wymondham 10.
Deano came on for Jacko, who had taken a knock and the last 6-8 minutes were very hard fought by both teams, both giving their all to try to change the outcome but in the end the Holt boys held out and won a very well played game.
Final score: Holt 35 - Wymondham 10.
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| The bench, ready and waiting. The coaches, ready for a beer. |
A really great display by both teams, totally committed rugby, totally determined. Brilliant to see and be a part of. Special thanks to the bench who were all ready to play their part, if called upon. And those that didn't feature, we have plenty more rugby to look forward to. Least all a semi-final against Beccles, next Sunday at home.
Man of the match could have one of many but Jenks was rightly awarded the honour after giving a sterling performance on the flanks.
Turd of the week was decided before the game and Caz knew he was top contender for forgetting his boots and having to borrow Rob's. Which resulted in Rob falling on his backside, at least once. Which of course was well worth being awarded the turd for. Same again next week, please Caz.
Both boys also missed out on the bumps having birthday's this weekend. Until next week guys...
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| Man of the match: Jenks |
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| Turd of the week: Caz |
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