Holt v Wymondham NORFOLK CUP (19.02.12)

I know we all like a lay-in on a Sunday but two weeks off is no way to prepare for a Norfolk Cup game. Fortunately the pitches have survived the freeze and after a good long warm-up Holt and Wymondham were ready for battle to commence. A massive thank you to all the players who didn't get on. Unfortunately there are Norfolk Cup rules that we have to abide by and we have to name a team plus limited replacements. However, Holt u14s are an ever growing squad, with great strength in depth and we can only improve by continuing to train. Remember in rugby, we win together, we lose together. So keep up the good work, keep enjoying your rugby and you know we will always look to get everybody on the pitch for a normal fixture.

Spot the ball.

 Holt and Wymondham had not faced each other for over a season, so it was going to be interesting to see how they matched up in this Quarter Final of the Norfolk Cup. Holt took the game by the scruff of the neck and after forcing a penalty, which Simmo took quickly, releasing Matti and Callum, with Callum scoring the first of his hat-trick in the corner.

It wasn't long before Holt added a second try after a disrupted line-out gave possession to the home team who quickly fed the ball out to the backs with Matti breaking the tackles of the Wymondham centres and scoring under the posts. Ally converted to make it Holt 12 : Wymondham 0.

Catch me if you can.

Wymondham were looking slightly shell-shocked and there was much remonstrating of each other by the players as they prepared to take the game back to Holt. From the re-start it was crucial to compete for the ball and keep Wymondham at bay. Ben & Jerry (insert your own flavour here) working really well together to retain the ball and with the rest of the forwards managing to give a good solid platform to the backs to 'do their stuff'. It wasn't long before Holt's third try was added, this time by Alex Storey, playing at fullback and joining in to a move after Simmo neat cut inside. No conversion and the scores were Holt 17 : Wymondham 0.

Talk to the hand coz the face ain't listening Talk to the hand coz the face ain't listening

Wymondham then turned up the pressure and were getting closer and closer to the Holt line and after several attempts, a disallowed try, a penalty and some absolutely brilliant defence by Holt, pushing Wymondham back and back, the visitors got their reward for their hard work and drove over to score. The half was ending and as Wymondham were looking to end the half in the ascendency, a quick witted Callum intercepted a stray pass and was away, showing great pace and he was never going to get caught. Another missed conversion, the wind proving difficult for both sides and the half ended. Holt 22 : Wymondham 5.

It was decided to keep the same players for the start of the second half and look to bring on substitutes throughout the rest of the game. However, it wasn't long before Jack W was suffering from a bang on the lower back and Simmo was limping. Then came the injury to Ally, which meant almost a ten minute disruption while he was dealt with, as he was clearly in some pain and a big thank you to Alasdair Duthie from Wymondham for looking after Ally and indeed Theo later on in the game.

Something we probably won't be seeing for the rest of the season, Ally kicking... Something we probably won't be seeing for the rest of the season, Ally kicking...

Whether it was the delay, the disruption to the team or the fact that Wymondham turned their game around and played the way they know best, using their big strong forwards to work up the pitch metre by metre. As much as Holt looked to counter-ruck and guard the playing picking and going from the base of the ruck Wymondham crept closer and closer to the Holt line. A penalty gave them the opportunity to run at Holt, who instead of attacking in defence waited for the runner to come to them. We obviously momentarily forgot our call of last year. ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK. Wymondham converted their try and it wasn't long before they scored again, this one not being converted but it was another forward led move and made the scores dangerously close at Holt 22 : Wymondham 17.

The forwards of both teams putting in a superb shift, all morning.

The forwards of both teams putting in a superb shift, all morning.

Wymondham were really starting to not only look dangerous but also close the gap on Holt's healthy half-time score. It was time for Holt to soak up more of the Wymondham pressure and release the pace of the backs. Matti did manage to get away with very strong run down the left wing, only to be put into touch. It did, however put Holt in the visitor's twentytwo and from the resulting line-out and subsequent scrum Sam C got the ball out to Callum who finished his hat-trick off in style. Another tricky conversion was missed and the scores were Holt 27 : Wymondham 17. Then began the last few minutes of the game, minutes which seemed to tick by very slowly, even more so after Wymondham

added a fourth try to make it just a five point difference again. Eventually the final whistle blew and it was handshakes all round. A good game, played in the right spirit and one of contrasting styles with both teams playing to their strengths. Final score Holt 27 : Wymondham 22.

Man of the match: Alexander Ghanbouri. Really put his opposite number under great pressure in the scrum and in the loose wasn't going to let anyone past him. Well done.

Turd of the week: A harsh one to decide on, as everyone had played so well. Then Dean made some  admiring looks and comments at my pint, following the game. 'Though shalt not covert your neighbour's beer'. The award of the actual turd is also accompanied by the shirts for washing ready for the next game. And, as Dean left them behind in the clubhouse he will be receiving the turd next game. Whatever happens.

Fancy a taste of Morocco?

Holt v Lowestoft&Yarmouth (22.01.12)

The habit of prepping the boys for these games by going back into the changing room is one that seems to focus their minds. It certainly did yesterday.

An extremely blustery day meant any long pass or kick could go anywhere, in fact on one line out the ball seemed to swerve one way then the other. L&Y lined up looking big and strong and many of the Holt boys in the changing room were focusing too much on the opposition rather than their own game. However Holt came charging out of their blocks, a caught kick-off by Alexander, who shipped the ball first to Callum and then on to Matti, who sped up the wing to score under the posts, giving Ally a good shot at goal, which he took. Holt 7 : L&Y 0.

The next kick-off wasn't quite so one-sided and resulted in the first scrum of the day, which was won against the head by Holt, followed by a strong run by Jack B up the wing, before being bundled into touch.  A scruffy line-out was won by Holt, Matti made an initial break into contact, Callum picked up the loose ball and was away, again under the posts. Another conversion by Ally made it Holt 14 : L&Y 0.

Holt's third try after Theo took the ball into contact, the re-cycled ball was distributed by Simmo, Ally and Callum, eventually finding Matti, who raced up the wing to score his second of the morning. A much trickier kick for Ally this time from the touchline, one which Ally took very well, using the wind from behind him to guide it through the posts. Holt 21 : L&Y 0. This last try seemed to spur L&Y on to up their game, no doubt the long journey taking its toll, the visitors were certainly looking more threatening. However Holt responded well, with strong work all round, a break by Alex on the right wing almost produced another try but he was eventually brought down by a pack of L&Y players, the ball however was safely re-cycled and Simmo, quick to the action as ever, shipped the ball left spreading the play across the backs where it eventually came to Jack B to run it in from the wing, even if he did need to juggle it in mid-air. The wind got the better of Ally for this conversion. Holt 26 : L&Y 0.

Another good re-start saw Theo make a clean catch and take on the opposition and just as he thought he was going to break through, approaching the L&Y twenty-two, he was brought down. As the half was coming to an end there were several phases of play with Holt looking to add to their score. Brilliant rucking in the centre of the pitch by Alexander, Jerry supporting his fellow prop in strength and aggression. Both flankers, Jack W and Robin, were looking sharp, attacking any scrum won by L&Y. It was Callum who had the last say of the half, after some great work by Harrison, intercepting a pass and making an easy score. The conversion meant the half finished Holt 33 : L&Y 0.

Wholesale changes were made at half-time, with a squad of 30 now there were plenty of fresh legs to come on and show their skills. The strength of the squad is crucial for all the players to improve their own individual game, as well as that of the actual age group. To be able to practice set pieces, play scenarios with x2 full teams is a great advantage. One of those players who was keen to show what he can do was the scorer of the next try and indeed the Man-Of-The-Match, Miles, great to see the joy of what scoring meant, not only scoring but then converting his own try, even if some of his fellow team mates were saying he was going to undo all the good work before the kick.

L&Y had started the second half well and were looking more and more like scoring, getting closer and closer to the Holt try line, a resolute defense managed to keep the visitors at bay, just. Jerry then showed how his real determination, making a break deep into L&Y's half, Matti highlighting what can happen when you support the runner, took on the charge and scored a simple try. Miles again converted. Holt 47 : L&Y 0. The pressure L&Y had been showing earlier in the half eventually paid off and after beating on the door for several minutes a resulting 5metre penalty was delivered to one of their big strong players who drove over, despite some desperate defence on the line. The conversion was missed. Holt 47 : L&Y 5.

After more rolling subs and players trying out different positions, Holt's 8th try came courtesy of Dean who had come on the left wing, a typical strong run knocking anyone out of the way in the process, scoring near the posts.  The conversion meant it was Holt 54 : L&Y 5. Simmo, not to be outdone by all the new players scoring, picked up a ball from a messy start where nobody seemed to want to claim the kick and after starting in the middle of the pitch, veered out to the wing and with Dean in support all the way to the line, scored in the corner. No conversion this time, Holt 59 : L&Y 5.

Holt's 10th and final try was the result of a dream debut for Gabriel, first session at Holt, first game, first try. And it wasn't a simple one, showing great strength and pace he sped down the right wing to go over with enough time to get under the posts and touch the ball down. The conversion made it Holt 66 : L&Y 5. The final whistle came soon after the re-start, L&Y still not giving up the ghost and continuing to push, looking to add to their score but it wasn't to be.

A very pleasing scoreline but still plenty of areas to tighten up before the cup game against Wymondham in just two weeks time. Let's have good numbers again next week for a really good session, the better the numbers, the better the session and this is everybody's opportunity to put their hands up and stake their claim for a start. Good work fellas and thank you everyone for your help during the game and afterwards in the clubhouse, not only for this week but also last week against Fakenham.

Holt v Fakenham (15.01.2012)

With several players from both sides away on 'County Duty' this fixture was the perfect opportunity for many members of the ever-increasing squad to get more game time.

Fakenham hit the ground running and scored a couple of quick tries from the off whilst Holt were still waking up – missed tackles galore. We then managed to steady the ship a little with some more resolute defence but they added a third before 10mins were up on the clock. Holt seemed to spend most of the match defending hard the Holt 22, a couple of quick turnovers with long run ins from Matty and conversions from Jamie evened the score up, Holt 14 – Fakenham 15 mid way through the first half.

By this time, the game had hit a certain pattern – Holt defending their line with Fakenham pressing hard with strong run after strong run from both forwards and backs – only some excellent last ditch tackling from the likes of Matty, Jack, Dean and many others keeping them at bay. Fakenham and Holt scored again before half time to make the score 19-22 at the break.

The second half saw more of the same really. Stout defence from the Holt boys under pressure almost the entire half, Fakenham scoring a further 25 points to our 14 (long distance breaks again, this time from Jamie) – the final score (and last word to Holt with a converted try as the last play): Holt 33 – Fakenham 47.

Man of the Match as chosen by Fakenham – Matty. Played his heart out all morning. Gerry led well all morning, Finn was all over the field and big Josh made a couple of bullocking runs forward. Tommy T and Olle R scrummed solidly all morning, Olli R often first to the loose ball. Olle B, Robin and Harrison in the back row competed well all morning – most of our break away tries coming from turnover ball that Sam C fed quickly to Shed at Fly Half. Matty and Jack playing in the centres, Jack was unlucky not to score in the corner from another long range effort – held up about 10 metres out. Dean on one wing made some crunching tackles and covered from one corner to the other most of the game. Other wingers were Miles, and George after half time; with Caz on in the centre in the second half for Jack. Jamie at full back kicked his conversions well and burned around the outside of the Fakenham cover to score twice.

Lots of positives to take away, lots to work on especially those first few minutes of each half where a sharper starter will get us off and running before the opposition!

Well done to one and all. Lowestoft and Yarmouth are visiting Holt next week. Let's give them a good Holt welcome.

Morocco Tour Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you for visiting this page. Hopefully by now you have been made aware of what we are intending to do this spring, however below is a brief update of this unique opportunity.

Why Morocco? Well, quite simply one of our player’s family, one who has been with Holt RFC from the very early days of tag rugby, is from Morocco and we have talked about doing it for long enough. Time for some action. And, as we've already been to Cambridge and St. Albans, Morocco just seemed the next logical step. We like a challenge.

Our (the coaches and tour committee) intention is to raise enough money in order for every playing child to experience this unique opportunity. To date we have raised over £10,000 through a Golf Day, Sponsored Walk, x3 Bag Packing sessions at local Supermarkets, a Race Night and various Raffles, Auctions and events.

To enable us to finance the trip for every player we are looking to achieve a target of £16,000. To facilitate this we have already accepted several commercial sponsors support and would like to invite you to become one of our supporters. Please see the various options available below and if you would like to have a PDF copy of the Tour Brochure format and proposed contents, please contact Carl Durban (carl.chris@virgin.net).

SPONSOR PACKAGES

Diamond Sponsors -

£500 or more -
logo prominently displayed on team apparel, full page advert in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog, specific acknowledgement of thanks in brochure and on Holt RFC website, pitchside advertising board at Holt RFC for rest of this season and for next season.*

Platinum Sponsors -

£250-£499 -
logo on team apparel, full page advert in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog, specific acknowledgement of thanks in brochure and on Holt RFC website.

Gold Sponsors -

£101-£249 -
 full page ad in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog,  specific acknowledgement of thanks in brochure and on Holt RFC website.

Silver Sponsors -

£100 -
full page ad in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog.

Bronze Sponsors -

£50 -
half page ad in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog.

Quarter page advertisers -

£25 -
Quarter page ad in tour brochure and link on U.14 blog.

*Excluding production or printing of pitchside board

Holt v Southwold (11.12.11)

Holt have always had a good relationship with Southwold, a long distance one but a good one. Great to see them traveling all the way up from Suffolk for this fixture. Although after five minutes they may have regretted honouring the fixture, whether it was the long journey or the fact that Holt were so up for this game from the start, who can tell, it was just that everything seemed to click for the home team.

The notepad had hardly been opened and Callum was under the posts, following a great catch from Alex Storey and a superb straight run breaking through the Southwold lines. Ally popped the conversion over to make it Holt 7: Southwold 0. Callum was soon adding to his tally, sprinting down the wing after a well contested scrum and the won ball being spun out wide, another Ally conversion and the scores were Holt 14: Southwold 0 in the blink of an eye.

Ally creeps up on an unsuspecting ball.

The Holt scrums were looking solid, George Robson really leading the pack in, calling the 'hit, one, two, three'. Ollie Ross and Ben in the 2nd row driving the front row on against much larger opponents, the back row alert and ready. Another Holt score was soon on the cards, this time from Matti making what is becoming one of his trademark straight strong runs through the middle, to go under the posts and Ally again converting. Holt 21 : Southwold 0.

As much as Southwold were looking to get back into the game, Holt just kept on coming back, through hard work and great tackling, they really didn't want to concede a try. The Holt forwards were having to battle against a good strong pack but they kept at it and whenever the ball come out on the visitor's side the Holt three-quarters were straight up and in their faces, looking to turn the ball over. And this is exactly what happened to give Holt another score, Alex and Callum combining well to rip the ball off an isolated Southwold player and Callum was away to complete his hat-trick. No conversion this time.

Scrum time.

And then another. This one from Simmo, a classic solo effort, straight from the start down the left wing and with a chip on the last defender, a nice controlled grubber kick, he was over to score. These latest two tries taking the scores to Holt 31: Southwold 0. The talk from the sidelines was all about what a superb display they were witnessing. Great stuff and a real advert for the way the Holt u14s can play the game.

It was then Matti's turn to add to his earlier score, taking the ball well, spinning out of a couple of tackles and then straightening up and speeding away to score under the posts. A simple conversion took the score to Holt 38: Southwold 0. Everything was working well, great hands giving good distribution which can only be achieved with support runners. It was following one of these periods of linked up play that Jerry then came as close as he has to scoring his first competitive try, breaking from the side of a maul and bursting forward, only to be held up on the 5metre line. So close but an example of how so many of the Holt players have improved in not only their ability but also their confidence. Great to see. Another example of this was Jack Brady joining in the fray putting great pressure on the opposition. Not to be outdone Caz then got stuck in, taking the ball on and into contact. Good to see everyone really going for it. Theo then added to the score after a very well won scrum 10metres out from the Southwold line, picking the ball from the back of the scrum, keeping low and driving over in the corner, showing good strength.

A gaggle of Holt players.

 Jack Brady then scored his first for the club, a special moment for any player, at any level. This one coming just as Southwold were starting to look more and more threatening and getting closer to the Holt 22. Matti broke, with Callum and Jack in support, an off-load from Callum set Jack free to make the score, even though he still had plenty of ground to make. Jamie converted and the whistle blew for half-time, the score was Holt 50: Southwold 0.

Jamie rehearses for next years Strictly.

Although Holt had been rolling subs on and off all morning, even more changes were made at half-time, looking to see players in a variety of positions. Southwold were definitely the stronger team at the start of the half and were certainly threatening the Holt line. This was until a super run at speed and from a very good angle by Alex, who passed back to Simmo to score in the corner. The tricky conversion was missed. Southwold then delivered what they had threatened to do from the start of the 2nd half, their big No. 8, Joe picking from a won scrum and driving over from 10 metres. A second score from Southwold soon followed their first and this one came from a good move, a neat side-step and good running from one of the visitor's stand-out players, Luke. The converted try made it Holt 55: Southwold 12.

'Come on Jerry'

Holt were not going to finish on a low and several phases of play with Alex running some great lines, Jack tackling everything and looking dangerous, Caz linking well and slipping through tackles, Robbo trying out at No.8, Sam Crafer playing really well at scrum-half and Dean boshing everything in sight. The last try of the game though was one to behold, a super all-round try. The forwards winning the scrum, Alexander and Jerry having to work hard all morning, giving a good platform to Sam to deliver to the backs, Caz joining in to add options. Matti received the ball, broke through and Jack was on his shoulder in a perfect position to take the ball at speed and go over to seal the victory. Jack then won the crossbar challenge and the final score was a very impressive Holt 60: Southwold 12.

Brilliant rugby, excellent teamwork and what a way to win the last game of the year. Well done everyone who came on, all performed superbly.

Race Night

Well done to everyone who came to the Race Night last Friday and for all the helpers who made the night possible. Special thanks to David Hitcham (Club Treasurer) for running the Tote and organising the races, Jamal and Tracey for putting on a superb supper, Gina and Liz for selling horses and raffle tickets, Sean and Penny for running the bar and all the parents who brought along a pud.

And they're off!

A lot of fun was had with everyone joining in the spirit of the night, 'buying' horses, betting on the Tote and screaming their heads off as their selected mounts either did the business and won or became contenders for the next tin of Pedigree Chum.

'I'll 'ave a monkey on number four.'

The total takings for the night, including ticket sales, Tote, horse ownership, raffle and the auction of the horses came to just over £1,000. Another great step towards our fundraising total to pay for all the boys to go to Morocco. Well done and thank you all.