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.

Holt v Norwich (06.01.13)

A Happy New Year indeed. After the superb performance and result against Fakenham before Christmas it was important for Holt to carry on from where they had left off before the two week break. Norwich were short of a few players, including a hooker, so to avoid going un-contested we volunteered Deano to put on a Norwich shirt along with Simmo and Jamie for the first half.

Before every game it is important to make sure everyone is warmed up...

...and the ref has been paid off.

Holt's first try came from a strong scrum won by Holt, the ball came out wide, through Sam, Caz and Callum to Alex who dodged a couple of tackles, slipped and fell, then managed to get back to his feet and score in the corner. A close conversion attempt for Ally who was there or thereabouts all morning. It was a game that started with quite a few handling errors by both teams, this didn't help to provide much of a flowing game, unfortunately. However, it wasn't long before Alex profited from another great scrum, the ball once again, coming out to the right wing even after it looked like the back line were a bit condensed and not giving themselves as much space as they could have. Alex scored again in the corner, this one converted by Ally. Holt 12 - Norwich 0

Ally who seems to have found his kicking boots.

Callum added the third Holt try after going wide, then cutting back inside. This try came after a messy phase and one that highlighted the lack of support for any runners, this causing players to run on that bit too far and not off-load to a player in a better position to continue the move. Try number four for Holt came courtesy of Jamie, making a welcome return. Callum started the move again coming out to the right wing, he then feinted to pass the ball, cut inside and passed to Jamie who had two desperate Norwich defenders trying to grab some Holt shirt to stop him. Ally just missed Callum's conversion but put this one over to make it Holt 24 - Norwich 0.

'Here you go..'

The last try of the half came from the super-slow motion specialist himself, Shed. This was possibly the best try of the half as the play went one way then came back the other, helped on its way by Jerry linking in the middle giving Shed the clear run on the left wing. A tricky missed conversion meant the half ended Holt 29 - Norwich 0

For the second half Holt gave Norwich three new players; Sam, Robin and Shed. Thanks was given at the end of the game, as without these 'volunteers' we wouldn't have had a game. Yet again Rugby is the winner. And I have the T-shirt to prove it.

This was no doubt at least a 25 metre run, taking on the whole of the Norwich defence, including multple side-steps by Sunday evening...

The first try of the half is something that doesn't happen very often, no not Halley's Comet or the Ice Age but a try by George Robson... He bashed his way through the remnants of the Norwich defence after some great work by Jacko and Jamie who took the ball up to five metres from the line to give George his moment of glory. Conversion by Ally making it Holt 36 - Norwich 0.

Robin picks up the ball, it might look like he's dropping it but I'm sure he wouldn't do that.

The next try came from Alex, this his third of the day and he wasn't finished there. Theo took the ball from the re-start and made a great run through the middle of the Norwich team, almost breaking free but just being caught by the last Norwich player, the ball was re-cycled to Alex by Jacko. Jacko then added the eighth Holt try soon after the re-start after some good work out wide by Jamie. Neither tries were converted and the score was Holt 46 - Norwich 0.

Sam to Caz, Tommy T towering above them both.

The ninth try came from Simmo, he picking up a loose ball and zipping up the wing, scoring under the posts, something virtually every other scorer had failed to do testing Ally's kicking ability. This one was a much easier conversion and the score was Holt 53 - Norwich 0. Jamie added the tenth try profiting from a super strong run through the middle by Jacko, at one point he seemed to have half the Norwich team hanging off him. No conversion, Holt 58 - Norwich 0.

The final try was scored by who else but Alex, his fourth of the day and this one came as Norwich were looking like they were going to break through the Holt defence for the first time, only for possession to be regained and Alex was away.  No conversion and the final score was Holt 63 - Norwich 0.

Norwich putting on a brave face. Keep on smiling, keep on enjoying your rugby.

Well done to Norwich for keeping at it and for not letting their heads drop. Holt were fairly ruthless and although scored eleven tries it was more pleasing to see zero tries scored against. There are some tough games coming up so Holt need to be at their best. Well done everyone and thank you to all those that helped put out the tables and serve the players their post-match lunch.

Man of the match: Alex Storey. Four tries and some very strong work all morning.

Turd of the week: George Robson. Where shall I start...

Holt v Fakenham (16.12.12)

What a lovely way to round off a messy half to the season. Great to see such a good turn-out for this fixture and as usual we managed to keep players rotated so everyone got as much rugby as possible.

If the cap fits...

The game started with a very well, Holt kicking off to Fakenham and the resulting drive from this pressure meant the ball popped out to Jacko, who used his strength to break a couple of tackles and go over. Ally converted this one, and many others during the morning, which really did help to keep the score ticking over. Fakenham responded really well, courtesy of a messy re-start and then a good kick through and a ball that died just over the line as Simmo went to touch it down, missing by a hands length. Holt 7 - Fakenham 5.

The game overall was very well competed and it was never going to be an easy win, Holt had to work very hard to either keep possession or regain possession in the breakdown. Both teams were playing a very condensed game and not making the most of the very wide Holt 1st team pitch. There was some great tackling by the Holt players and strong running that either broke tackles or gave the opportunity for the ball to be re-cycled. Jacko then scored his second of the game after a much better re-start putting pressure on Fakenham straight away causing an advantage to be played, Jacko picked and went. Another Ally conversion made it Holt 14 - Fakenham 5.

The coalface.

The next Holt score came from a very strong scrum, the ball coming out and through Ally, Matti, Callum, Shed and finally Alex to dive over right in the corner. A tough conversion was missed and the score was Holt 21 - Fakenham 5. It wasn't long before another Holt try was added, this one from Matti, making a welcome return, bursting through the middle and sprinting away to score under the posts. Ally popped this one over to make it Holt 28 - Fakenham 5.

Super backs play on show all morning.

The last try of the half came from Simmo. Another super scrum after some great rucking and counter-rucking, the ball coming out to Simmo, who skipped through three tackles to score. The scrummaging was well contested all morning and this gave an excellent platform to the backs to do their magic. Ally just missed this conversion and the half time score was Holt 33 - Fakenham 5.

Coach Will looks on...

The second half was a scrappy start, possibly due to the changes to each side but mainly to Fakenham upping their game and really looking to get back into the match. The opposition were keeping things tight and pulling the Holt players in too. Holt were managing to hold off the visitors pressure and just need to get the ball wide and use their speed. Eventually an opportunity arrived and the ball was worked wide but Fakenham covered the move and a little awkwardly the ball was re-worked back inside with Matti straightening to burst through and score under the posts. Another conversion for Ally. Holt 40 - Fakenham 5.

Matti gets his second of three tries.

Try number seven was scored by Alex, again after some solid work in the centre of the pitch. Eventually, through great hands the ball came out to Alex who sprinted away down the wing in front of a really good crowd of mostly appreciative Holt supporters. Ally kicked the conversion and the score was Holt 47 - Fakenham 5. At half-time the boys were challenged to keep a clean sheet in the second half and this was only going to be possible with a really high work rate. Something that was kept up, whoever was on the pitch.

Subs ready for action.

The next try was worthy of the 'turd of the day' for the wave from Matti for Theo to take a picture as he sprinted by. A great try, not so sure about the show-boating... Needless to say Theo's reactions weren't quick enough! The try was converted and the the scores stood at Holt 54 - Fakenham 5. Callum scored the penultimate try, after a kick over the top that didn't seem necessary at the time but fortunately came off, Caz put the defender under immediate pressure and Callum profited from the the situation, nicking the ball away and sprinting over to score. A tricky conversion was missed. Score Holt 59 - Fakenham 5.

'I think I'll leave it here..' Callum scores try number nine.

Credit must be given to Fakenham who kept trying to make it difficult for Holt and were always looking as if they could make a break but the Holt defence was immense. None more so than for the last try. Fakenham had secured possession and their winger managed to break through a couple of tackles, escaping into open space behind the Holt back line. However, just as Fakenham thought a score was going to made in came Simmo from nowhere, to tackle the player and then immediately Jacko was on the scene to do what he does best, jackling the ball from the isolated player, the play was switched to the opposite wing and all it required was for Shed to run half the length of the pitch. It was then that the whole game seemed to slow down, cue the music to 'Chariots Of Fire' ...Shed pinned his ears back, (this gave him another 5 miles an hour) and with two of Fakenham's slowest players chasing him the line eventually came. As Shed was so exhausted at such exertion he didn't bother to go for the posts and Ally had a difficult kick for conversion, which was just missed. Shed was awarded the 'Turd Of The Day' for this moment. Final score Holt 64 - Fakenham 5.

N.B. This picture has been modified to give the appearance of speed.

Although the score made it look like it was a very one-sided game, it was only though hard work that it was possible to create to so many opportunities, opportunities that were taken with great skill. After Christmas we have a warm-up fixture against Norwich, then Walsham at home (time to do the double?) and Wymondham in the first round of the Norfolk Cup. Holt will need to show more of the effort, determination and control to be successful in these tough games. have a great Christmas and New Year. Enjoy the break and we'll see you back in January.