After last year's dramatic final this was always going to be a tough fixture. Okay, so we didn't win this time but there were a lot of positives to take from the game. Total commitment by all those involved, a great turn-out even though we could only play 15 plus 6 subs and more importantly nobody gave up until the very end.
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| 'Watch and learn Matti, see how much more control I have with my mouth open' |
Holt started well, a good deep kick by Callum putting Walsham on the back foot, created exactly the sort of pressure that had been discussed prior to the kick-off. Some excellent scrummaging gave Sam and Simmo the opportunity to put Callum and Matti away but with some very determined tackling Walsham always managed to just make that last tackle. Ollie B showed some super aggressive tackling from No.8 and was giving as much as he got. Harrison and Jack getting well and truly stuck in. But the pressure began to tell and Holt were driven ever further backwards and after a period of sustained pressure Walsham managed to get through to score their first try, which was converted.
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| 'Crazy-horse' Boldero looking for his next victim. |
Holt then showed how well they can play being much more dominant and fighting for every ball, Ben and Theo having to do a lot of unseen work. Walsham were always looking to counter-attack and almost made it through but they hadn't bargained for a super cover tackle by Callum. Walsham came again and this time crossed the line but the player manged to drop the ball over the line, something the refereeing team of four did see. Alex Storey also held up another try on the line, showing great awareness and strength.
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| Alex being supported by Harry 'no-neck' Simmo. |
However, Walsham did manage to add another converted try before the end of the half but Holt made sure the home team had to work their socks off for for every ball, pushing the opposition all the way. Half time: North Walsham 14 : Holt 0.
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| Crafer to Simmo, aah, the good old days, eh Charlie, Mark? |
The start to the second half was a messy old affair, not helped by the ever increasing rain, injuries and replacements settling in. As hard as Holt tried, and tried hard they did, with Gabriel making some strong runs supporting Callum, Matti always looking to twist and turn through, Simmo trying to work a move, Walsham just seemed to make that last tackle. To be fair the home team's rucking was very good giving them the opportunity to get away. It was one of these opportunities that Walsham scored their third converted try, breaking away and slipping through. Further changes were made to Holt, Jerry had hurt his shoulder, this meant a switch in the front row with George R propping and Robin coming back to hook, something he did very well. Everyone who came on got stuck in from the start, something that is great to see. Holt so nearly got through, Jamie on one side and Caz on the other, both supported well by runners. A great move down the right wing was halted after a high tackle to Caz, Walsham were really on their back-foot, Holt at the time progressing into the opposition twentytwo. Amazingly the decision was reversed, everyone conceded that Caz had high-tackled himself. There is no other explanation.
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| Caz, before he high-tackled himself. |
Walsham scored a fourth try, this one not converted and the final score was: North Walsham 26 : Holt 0. We all agreed afterwards that it was Walham's turn this year, it is only fair to share, next year though...
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| A hose was required. |
Holt should be very proud of the way they competed in this fixture, a tough game, a tough opposition but they gave a really good account of themselves until the final whistle, every single one of them.
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| A lovely day for rugby! |
Man of the match: No individual, just the whole squad!
Turd of the week: Simples. Dean for forgetting to take the shirts home last week after getting the turd.
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