Eastern Counties three way competition.

Eastern Counties runners up competition
between Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk), Peterborough (Cambs) and Holt (Norfolk).

Game 1 - Bury St Edmunds v Holt.
After a decent journey we were made very welcome by the hosts at their superb facilities. However with so many Youth and Colts fixtures on we were scheduled to play on pitch 3, a tight pitch with some grass on it, possibly the north slope. The bottom corner however, which was I think about a 1 in 3 gradient was always going to be the corner to attack or defend.  Holt started playing down the slope and with the wind played managed to apply plenty of pressure on Bury throughout the half, Alex and Caz combining in the centres, Jamie at fullback making his tackles and catching well, the forwards doing the dirty work and Simmo with Ally looking to create options. Although both teams came within close to scoring with some strong rugby in tricky conditions, the half time score was 0-0.
In the second half it was Bury with the advantage of both the wind and the 1 in 3 slope who applied the pressure on Holt from the start, Bury did indeed cross the the try line twice only to be denied by some superb Holt defence holding the player and ball up, Jack Webster stopping one and a gaggle of players in black (and a considerable amount of mud) stopping the second one. Holt did almost make a break with minutes to go up the slope, however Bury turned the ball over and forced their way back towards the Holt line only for a penalty to be awarded, and with last kick off the game Bury kicked the penalty, after considerable encouragement from the sidelines, to secure a 3-0 win.

Holt going downhill

Sam and his bubble perm (notice there is no mud in it)...

Wingers wunning.

Heading to the below sea-level part of the pitch

Another scrum.

Dean passes to Simmo, whilst being cuddled by the Bury scrum-half.

Line-out lottery.

Guest photographer for the Bury game: Lesley Jenkins.



Game 2 - Peterborough v Holt.
With the games being just two halves of 15 minutes Holt had a quick break before the second game against Peterborough. Playing a game against a team the size of Peterborough on a pitch as muddy and sloped as the one the Bury Holt game had been played on wasn't something anyone from Holt was looking forward to. Help was at hand and fortunately the 1st team pitch had become vacant, so everyone decamped onto a lovely wide, flat dry pitch in front of the main stand and clubhouse.
The first scrum came as a bit of a shock to Holt as Peterborough knocked Holt back, not something they are used to. Just as the Peterborough scrum half was thinking about what to do with the ball Simmo pounced on him, stole the ball with help from Jacko and sprinted up the left wing to score. A tough conversion was missed.
Peterborough then used their considerable size and strength difference to apply plenty of pressure, picking and driving from the half way line and eventually going over. Again this wasn't converted and the score was even at 5-5. With one player already borrowed from Holt, a second was required as Caz was injured in a collision, an injury that has since been confirmed as a broken collarbone... yes another injury...
Simmo made a second break after some really resolute Holt defence, with good work in particular from Jack Brady, who was looking to ensure Holt kept their width. This second try was much closer to the posts and Ally slotted it home to end the half at Holt 12 - Peterborough 5.
Holt started the second half with far more aggression and determination, looking to contain the Peterborough and stop their gameplan. Some superb work by Jerry at one lineout on the left wing was a real indication of how much everyone was having to dig deep. Really great forward play.
Peterborough were trying to break their way through and got their just reward after a penalty that Holt were slack to defend, waiting for the ball carrier to come to them, rather than attacking from defence. Not only did the Peterborough breach the Holt defence he carried on through to the tryline and scored. The conversion was missed and Holt won the game 12-10.

The formidable opposition

'Okay, me against you lot. Bring it on'

'I'm getting outta here...'

Peterborough look on.

The supporters look down.

Action pose.

Jerry looking forward to another scrum.

 Guest photographer for the Peterborough game: Kate Moore. 

'What me?' Yes, you.

No man of the match was awarded as the third game between Bury and Peterborough was held and time was getting on. There was a turd of the week awarded in the bar though. Congratulations Alex Storey, your Mum will be proud of you for bringing the shirts home. Next time, don't kick the ball away at a penalty. Hopefully lesson learnt.

Thank you everyone for making the trip down south. A trip well worth making as it meant we could play some teams from out of the county and having not played Bury since we were under 10s and having never played Peterborough it was all good experience. Bury were excellent hosts and we would certainly welcome a return to play them on a pitch more suited to our game, as I'm sure would they.

Norfolk Cup Final v North Walsham (03.03.13)

What a great bunch.

There are many words to describe yesterday's performance by such a great bunch of boys. Determined, hard-working, disciplined, courageous but one word really sums it up and that is Proud. Something you should be of yourselves, your team mates and without doubt something your parents, grandparents and of course your coaches are of you.

This has been a tough journey to get this far, an opener against Wymondham, a team who really thought they were going to turn us over. Result: Holt 35 - Wymondham 10. And comments from some of the Wymondham's parents about how 'their forwards have never been so bullied before..'
Then came Beccles, an unknown quantity and a fast improving team. Result: Holt 46 - Beccles 7. And this after playing ten minutes with two players off the field. 

So finally came the final. A game much anticipated and against our greatest rivals (in a friendly way of course), North Walsham. Losing players of the calibre of Callum and Alexander was always going to be a blow but there were plenty of players who stepped up to the mark and it didn't stop us believing a win was possible. It absolutely was possible and every one of you gave your all on the pitch, right until the final whistle. It just wasn't to be.

What an even greater bunch.

Below is not a full blow by blow match report, just a brief summary and a load of pics. Hopefully these speak louder than my botched attempt at English.

What a smart bunch, in their new tops.

A strong start from both sides saw the game held in the middle of the pitch for the first five minutes, until Walsham broke the deadlock with a driven over try from five metres out. A second try was added in a similar fashion before Simmo gave the team and the massed ranks of supporters a massive lift by sniping down the blindside to score in the corner. Half time Walsham 10 - Holt 5.

Ready and waiting.

The second half saw Holt really take it to Walsham and how further Holt tries weren't scored will remain a mystery. Virtually the whole half was played in the Walsham twentytwo, with the home team having to defend with their lives and to be fair they stopped everything we threw at them, albeit by conceding penalty after penalty, a penalty count well into double figures, a yellow card was eventually produced but it could have been more. Walsham did manage to add two more tries from probably their only two forays into the Holt half, enough to make the game safe but not until Holt had given everything, fresh legs were introduced and the pressure was intensified. Holt were determined until the very end, every player giving absolutely everything they had and you can't ask for more than that. A great game to watch. Apparently. Final score Walsham 20 - Holt 5

Mutual respect.

Wear it with pride.

Turd of the week: Josh Taylor. Two minutes on the pitch and almost instantly started a scrap.

Oh dear, oh dear. Further training required.

 Man of the match. Never and easy one in a game like this with so many players trying their hearts out but was awarded to Harry Simmons for constantly trying to take the team forward and leading by example.

Holt v Diss (17.02.13)

It was great to see Diss back up at Holt, this fixture been hastily arranged midweek when both Diss and Holt had found themselves without an opposition and Holt in particular desperate to give some of the players who have been supporting from the sidelines as much rugby as possible.

Looks familiar but not in that shirt. Well done Ally and Jenks for volunteering.

Diss were one player short, so Ally was kindly volunteered for the first half and Jenks for the second. Holt switched several players around to try different combinations and to accommodate those that had supported from the bench in the last couple of weeks.

The first try came from Jenks, breaking straight through the middle after profiting from some great work by Josh and Alexander punching holes in the Diss defence. Josh in particular was prominent all morning making some terrific breaks, boshing into players and drawing defenders. The conversion was missed. Holt 5 - Diss 0.

The face says it all...

However, Diss soon hit back after managing to turn over the ball at the ruck after several Holt players made a break and the support wasn't there quick enough to secure the ball. Diss switched the play from one side to the other and scored in the corner. No conversion. Holt 5 - Diss 5.

The boys ruck while the ref dances.

 Diss then took the lead, following a strong break and a missed tackle. This try was converted to make it Holt 5 - Diss 12. Holt soon responded after a much better period of play where the home team notably were contesting the ball in the loose with much more aggression. Simmo made a break and evaded the Diss defence to score near the posts. This try was converted to end the half all even at 12 points each.

Pottle puts in.

 With no substitutes for either side it meant just positional changes for Holt, shifting a few players around to see how things could work better, which it did. Much better aggression, more re-cycling and a better platform for the backs to do their damage. Simmo got the half off to a great start scoring in the corner with desperate Diss defenders trying to tackle him into touch. No conversion: Holt 17 - Diss 12.

Take off!

The next try was scored by Matti, who finished off the great work started by Josh picking up the ball at the base of a successful scrum, drawing several Diss players as he drove forward. The ball came back to the quick boys and Matti broke through the tackle of the last Diss player to score under the posts. The conversion was scored to make it Holt 24 - Diss 12.

I'm gonna get you...

Titus then scored the last Holt try of the game after a messy period of the game with players slipping and the ball being knocked on, won by one team and then counter-rucked by the other. This try was converted to make it; Holt 31 - Diss 12. There were some notable moments in the game, one particular great piece of flank play by Harrison, a driving tackle on his opposite number. Jamie playing well at scrum half and trying to get away down the wing. Shed looking very comfortable at full-back, always looking to get involved. Tommy T always making the breakdown and supporting at the ruck and Finn, well Finn being Finn really.

The visitors hadn't given up though and although time was running out  they were determined to get a score in the half and after breaking through two tackles down the right their player cut back inside and dived over to score. No conversion.
Final score: Holt 31 - 17.

A numpty and a man of the match. You decide.

Jerry losing the boat race. Kate, you may be doing the shirts next week!

Man of the match: Jamie Pottle. Lots of pressure at scrum-half, well played.
Turd of the week: After injuring himself at school, playing tiddlewinks or hopscotch or it might have been another other girly sport like football. Jerry. You numpty. Kate, you get the shirts!

Holt v Wymondham (Norfolk Cup 1st round) 03.02.13

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Man of the match: Jenks

Turd of the week: Caz

West Norfolk v Holt (13.01.13)

After having managed to secure this fixture following the mix-up with Walsham it was all but scuppered at the last minute by the weather. A great Holt turn-out saw the West Norfolk 1st team pitch look un-playable due to frost, fortunately the 2nd team pitch was slightly softer under foot and just to make sure we gave it a further half hour of sun. Then it was game on.

All in a line.

West are a big, physical side, exactly the sort of opposition Holt wanted prior to the forthcoming Norfolk Cup match against Wymondham. The game started well from Holt with good pressure and the team in black getting well into the home team's twenty two. The first score came from Alex Storey, who is having a really good run of form, breaking down the right wing after a messy line-out was won cleared up by Jerry. A tight conversion for Ally, which was just missed. It wasn't long before Holt scored their second try, this one from Simmo who managed to rip the ball off a West player, just as the home team were looking to make progress on the edge of Holt's twenty two. Players were trying to tackle too high and against players the size of the West team who handed-off well it was never going to work. Tackle low, tackle hard. Another tough and close conversion attempt. West Norfolk 0 - Holt 10.

Simmo about to score.

Simmo scoring, honest.

The next try came from Alex, again. This one working from one corner to the other putting the West defence under plenty of pressure. The next try came soon after, and yes it was Alex again with his hat-trick try. This one was the best of the lot, won after two great scrums from Holt who must have been giving away about at least six stone to West's pack but Holt were tighter, lower and putting more pressure on their opposition. Alex finished this one with great strength, really striding powerfully to score again in the corner. Both conversions were again very close but missed, not helped by all the tries being scored in the corners testing Ally's range. West Norfolk 0 - Holt 20.

A big strong pack from West Norfolk being taken on by Holt.

The penultimate try of the half was taken by Callum, who suddenly seemed to wake up when he was on the pitch, several of the boys not looking at their most alert when they tumbled out of the various vehicles earlier in the morning. This try was a typical Callum one, sniping through the West defence following some great work by Shed. Guess what, yes scored in the corner and Ally just missing. West Norfolk 0 - Holt 25.

Spot the ball. Pics by Mum. (Thanks Tracey).

Before West scored their first try of the game, Theo had taken the ball well from the kick-off making ground through the West on-rushing players and passing to Ally who stepped to create himself space. However West recovered and started to pile on the pressure, desperate for a try and they were rewarded for their hard work by going over to score. Holt weren't finished though and it was Ally that made this try, breaking through the middle of the West, showing great strength breaking several tackles and scoring under the posts. A nice easy conversion meant the half ended West Norfolk 5 - Holt 32.

With such a good turn-out there were many changes at half time with players all over the pitch playing in different positions. Holt won't have the luxury of this come the Norfolk Cup game, as there will be a restriction on subs and no rolling subs allowed.

The crowd wait looking on.

 West managed to make the most of the situation as Holt were finding their feet and position, conceding a soft try. No conversion. West soon added another try, this time breaking through the whole Holt team, a lack of commitment in the tackles the reason, this try was converted. West Norfolk 17 - Holt 32.

Striding out.

Filling out.

Another try was  held up on the line after some great tackling back by Holt. However the resulting scrum gave West the platform to attack again, which after three attempts they managed to cross the line, driving over. No conversion West Norfolk 22 - Holt 32. Getting close. It got closer still as West scored again, this one looking like there was a forward pass in the build up but to be fair I wouldn't want to be a ref at this level, these boys can motor. This one was converted and the scores were West Norfolk 29 - Holt 32. Then came some real West pressure for the last five minutes who were pushing to see if they could just get one more score, some great work by Finn and Jerry forcing errors by the home team and giving Holt the possession and enough time to secure the win. Hearts in mouths...

Man of the match: Jerry. Super scrummaging.

Turd of the day: Sam. Feeding the opposition scrum. Doughnut.