Holt v Diss Match Report (27.11.11)

A clear bright but windy day greeted our visitors from Diss, A club we have a good rapport with and a team who always give us a good game.

It does what it says on the tin.

The game started very competitively with Diss looking to push Holt back in to their 22. Then came a break from Matti from the midfield and he looked like he was through to the line but the Diss fullback, Jordan, chased him all the way and managed to tackle him just short, however, excellent support from Jamie meant he could take the ball on and then off-load to Ally who scored in the corner. No conversion. It wasn't long before Holt were on the offensive again, some great play by all the team to build the platforms for others to break through, this time a couple of secured rucks released Matti for another break and this time he wasn't going to be caught. No conversion again, the gusting wind really proving difficult.

Scrum time, fun time.

Diss started to come back into the game, putting more and more pressure on the Holt defence, they were winning more scrums and spreading the ball wide, looking to penetrate through the Holt defensive line. There were many players putting in the tackles and stopping the visitors advancing, in particular Alex Storey and Jack who continued to tackle all morning. It was from this great defence that Holt managed to spring another attack, this time Simmo breaking free and scoring to give Holt a 15:0 lead at half time.

Hands up who wants it?

As per usual Holt looked to ring the changes at half-time, giving those on the sides their chance to shine. These changes didn't stop Holt taking the game to Diss and straight from the off Holt were looking to attack. Ollie Boldero, produced one of his 'Crazy Horse' runs bursting through the middle, he was eventually brought down but with Alex on his shoulder along with Dean and Simmo the ball was recycled and Simmo darted through to score under the posts. The conversion was taken.

Diss, who had threatened throughout then got what they deserved and scored after by a crafty bit of football up the wing, touching the ball down first. It wasn't long before Diss scored their second of the game, after a period where they were clearly in the ascendency pushing Holt back to their try line. A 5metre scrum was won by Diss, their No.8 picked and went but was held up by a watchful Jack, flanking on the blind for Holt. However the subsequent ruck gave Diss a platform to launch another attack, this time a diving player scoring in the corner. Neither of the Diss tries were converted and the scores were Holt 22: Diss10.

A right kerfuffle.

Holt seemed to realise that Diss were coming back into the game and knuckled down again. A great scrum gave Theo the chance to pick and go, with Jack supporting and taking the ball on, the subsequent ruck gave Sam the chance to put the ball wide and Matti burst through to get his second of the game. George B converted. Holt then managed to give away far too many penalties, gifting Diss the opportunity to attack, which they did and scoring from one such opportunity in the corner, the tricky conversion was missed. Scores Holt 29 : Diss 15.

Time for tee?

As the Holt players gathered under the posts to receive the Diss conversion the coaches asked for a last effort to finish the game on a high and that is exactly what Holt did. Having taken the re-start and giving the ball a good chase the ball ended up with Simmo, he gave a quick off-load to Theo, who drove through from just inside the Diss 22 to score under the posts. The conversion added and the final score was Holt 36: Diss 15. A hard-earned victory against a very good side but one that can be put down to hard work, support play and endeavour. Well done everybody.

Spectators enjoying the Holt weather.

Thank you to all the helpers in sorting the oranges, serving up the lunch and supporting from the side. A special thank you to Kate for taking the pics today and for volunteering to wash the shirts. More volunteers will be found next time. Good also to see Shed hobbling around, possibly faster on his crutches than without. Maybe we can ask for dispensation for him to play with crutches when he returns. Hopefully the other Holt u14 casualty, Jenks, will be well enough to come up in the next few weeks, it will be good to hear him chirping from the sidelines. We wish both Shed and Jenks a speedy recovery.