Holt v Fakenham (18.03.12)

A game with our nearest neighbours is always a competitive affair and this 'friendly' fixture was as usual, a well contested game.

Holt started well, pushing Fakenham back and with good distribution almost scored very early on, a strong tackle by Fakenham taking the Holt winger out and the corner post at the same time. It wasn't long before Holt got the first try and something of a recent rarity being scored by the forwards, to be fair they had three cracks at it, first George, then Jerry and finally Alexander drove over. No conversion. Holt 5 : Fakenham 0.

There is a ball in there somewhere, promise.

After a messy re-start by Holt in difficult conditions the ball miraculously appeared on the Holt side, not only that but in Jack W's hands and he was off, unfortunately no-one appeared to have seen him go, so support was slow to get to him. Eventually everyone caught up and Caz got the ball to Matti who spun and burst through to score under the posts, this one was converted and the score was Holt 12 : Fakenham 0. Then followed a period of phases by both teams, a game with more than the usual fumbles, not surprising as it was raining all morning and the slippery conditions certainly weren't helping either team play any champagne rugby. Fakenham benefited from one of these instances after a sustained period of pressure, which Holt looked to have managed to control, holding the visitors back on the line, until a loose ball gave Fakenham an easy scoring opportunity, which they took and converted. Half time: Holt 12 : Fakenham 7.

Ladder please.

Multiple changes were made at half time to give everybody as much rugby as possible. With over 30 players now, Holt are in a very fortunate position with plenty of players able to push for a starting position. Fakenham had only the 17 or 18 odd players, so pretty much stayed the same. The game re-started and it wasn't long before Fakenham closed the gap with a try in the corner, the conversion was missed. Holt 12 : Fakenham 12.

An early entry for this year's Turner Prize. Thanks for  taking the pics Ben. Hopefully you'll be back on the field next time.

Holt responded with a typical Simmo break, this time supported by another new recruit, Freddie, who was not only making his debut for Holt but against his former club. A pupil at Reepham, with several of the other Holt players and now having decided football is for the girls, he has seen the light and hopefully will continue to appear at Holt. Alex finished off the move that Simmo had started with Freddie securing the ruck and Alex scored in the corner. The conversion was missed and the scores were: Holt 17 : Fakenham 12.

Obviously it's very unsporting to criticise refs but come on...

Fakenham took a very deep re-start which forced Holt back to defend and before the ball could be secured and cleared the visitors drove over and crucially the try was converted giving Fakenham the lead, one which they held until the end of the game. Although Holt very nearly managed to sneak a win after Harrison 'took one for the team' from the re-start, straight in the belly. Theo drove on and Matti took the ball up the wing but it wasn't to be. Fakenham had won by two points. A good game played in good spirits and well contested.

Caz. Man of the match

Man of the match. Caz, more than ably stepping into Ally's boots at 10, another very good performance, showing great decision making and distribution. Top work.

Turd of the week. Not such a difficult one this, as anyone watching will have seen Holt were sporting the senior team reserve shirts. Somebody left our ones at home. Congratulations Rob. Wear it with pride.