Ipswich v Holt 05.01.14

Words by Holt's top pitchside reporter: Geoff Webster.
Pictures by Sheringham's top snapper: Amelia Ghanbouri.

Scenic.

Last Sunday was a lovely sunny day: cold, crisp, terrific conditions for the first match back after the Christmas break. Parents and boys have a different idea as to what constitutes a beautiful day - my eulogising on the sun, sky and generally beauty of the world in the car on the way to Ipswich was met by stony silence from the the three lads in the back. In fact I do not think any of them uttered a single word all the way down the A140, that masterpiece of engineering and logistical planning.

Ipswich find the golden egg.

Never mind, I reasoned, usual Holt Rugby early morning phobia. Training before the game was also distinctly lacklustre. Again, quite usual. We fielded a full team and it is fair to say expectations on the touch line were high after our dismantling of Ipswich at Holt in early December.

Looking to spring out of the blocks. Not.

We kicked off with aplomb. The first few minutes were pretty even, neither side gaining the upper hand. Then Ipswich made a line break and Simmo made a fantastic cover tackle in the corner to prevent the score. Good work undone by a charged down kick from the resultant line out. 7-0 Ipswich. Ipswich then scored from the restart - Holt defence was nowhere.  14-0. Things were beginning to look grim. Holt then momentarily woke up, good hands saw Alex Storey stopped just short and Simmo sniped over for a poacher's try. 14-5.  Holt's awakening was fleeting - Harry Jenks received a yellow card for talking back to the ref not once but twice. Having spoken to Harry afterwards, if you are going to get sent off for back chat, make it worthwhile. "No I was not" feels a bit weak and way too polite.

Contrasting styles of line-out.

The three amigos.

Ipswich then scored 2 more tries helped by poor Holt commitment to the tackle and Holt being down to 14 men. Jenks reappeared from purgatory just before half time. Jacko made a good cover tackle, Holt won the ball and Alex scored in the corner. Half time 26-10.

Shed gets his collar felt.

 A different Holt emerged from the huddle at the start of the second half. Commitment and defence were transformed. The forwards played with vim and Callum scorched away to score early doors. 26-15. The Holt back row then stole an Ipswich ball in our 22, Callum received in space and ran the length of the pitch to score near the posts. He kept his breakfast down too, although that looked a little touch and go. 26-22 with 18 minutes left - it felt like we had them on the ropes.

'Look at my eyes, my eyes, look at my eyes'.

Scrimmage.

Catch me if you can. Shed and his amazing burst of speed.

Ipswich then recovered somewhat from the onslaught and pressured our line. Resolute defence kept them out and after a clearance kick Simmo made a fast break down the blindside into the Ipswich 22. IT looked like another Holt try was on the cards when Simmo fell awkwardly and badly hurt his knee. It was a freak accident and we all wish him well for a speedy recovery. The game was stopped for 30 minutes while Simmo was tended to by ambulance crew.

Before.

After.

The injury not surprisingly took the edge off the rest of the game - final score Ipswich 38 Holt 22.
 
Turd of the game - Jenkins for the most polite carding I have seen.
Man of the match - Robin - carried well, hooked well and made some good tackles.

Next week it's Fakenham in the cup. Let's hope Ipswich got the Christmas gremlins out of our systems lads!