Whether it was the journey or the reduced amount of players who could make this fixture the lack of enthusiasm during the warm-up was something to behold and a new level achieved by the boys this fine December morning. West Norfolk are a tough opposition with some big strong players, as well as a few speedsters and they always provide a good test when we play them.
West lent Holt three players to make it a game of 15 v 14 and despite the early pressure by West, Holt managed to score first. A break by Matti, who took a lovely flat off-load from Caz, and then continued straight through a flat West defence and Matti was away under the posts. Despite Holt's best efforts in attack and defence it was West who clearly took the first half scoring five tries.
Half time West Norfolk 27 - Holt 7
The second half three new West players in Holt shirts and a much more even half. Holt scoring first with Theo bursting through after a lot of Holt pressure and two really well contested and successful rucks Ally passed the ball out to Theo who drove through. Alec scored his second for the club and looks to be really enjoying his rugby, really good to see. Ally added Holt's fourth try after some excellent work in the centre of the pitch, diving over near the corner. The second half score five minutes before time was West 21 - Holt 19, before the last (it has to be said dubious) try. Nevermind, can't blame the ref for something he didn't see. He managed the game well and kept it flowing and more importantly did it all with good humour.
West ran out winners 58 to Holt's 26 but there were some very good elements to the game. Strong tackling, breaking runs and good work around the fringes, especially in the second half. However support play needs to be improved and we need to be quicker to the second phase. Lots to work on and take forward in the New Year when we start to play the Norfolk Cup games. Well done to everyone and all the parents for making the trip.
Pics by Holt u16s Official Photographer: Amelia Ghanbouri (who is hoping for a longer lens from Santa). If Santa is reading this it would only improve these reports.
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| What a beautiful day. What a beautiful jump. |
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| Ally passes to the camera. |
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| Action shot. |
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| Jenks gets his man. |
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| Alexander into the fray. |
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| Theo into the whole of the West team. |
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| Alex evades. Tommy T and Theo ready to support. Eventually. |
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| Matti with his non-regulation Holt socks... |
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| Jenks makes a break. Everyone else watches in awe. |
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| Matti dancing. |
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| Rob birdwatching. |
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| The road to nowhere. |
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| Tommy T and Alexander doing the protecting while Ally gets the ball away. Somewhere. |
