Crusaders 3, Holt 27

RUGBY: Holt made the short journey to Little Melton, normally a happy hunting ground for them, and they were looking to repeat last year's victory there.

Holt played up the slope for the first half, knowing their defence needed to be tight. This was achieved and gradually Holt worked their way up the pitch to make their presence felt.

They earned a penalty after 13 minutes, which was not converted, but through perseverance they were rewarded for their efforts when Allen kicked them into a 3-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Crusaders were still making forays into Holt's half, but determined defence kept them at bay. Holt were holding their own quite comfortably, playing with zest and the game looked theirs for the taking with the benefit of the slope second half.

Although Holt had a penalty chance after five minutes, Rumsby finished off the pressure a minute later to score an unconverted try, extending the lead to 8-0.

Again, Holt's defence was put to the test Crusaders made inroads into their half. But Holt broke out of defence and, following a quickly-taken throw-in, Robson sprinted down his wing to score a good opportunist try under the posts. The conversion by Allen was a formality for 15-0.

Holt were playing a determined game, putting their opponents under pressure, and another try came when Woods scored from a five-metre scrum for a comfortable 20-0.

Crusaders could not break down a solid defensive wall, and from a breakdown from one their attacks, Rumsby made a break down the pitch to just short of the goal line. From the kept possession, Ilsley scored under the posts. Allen's conversion made the score 27-0, and with the fourth try, Holt gained a bonus point with three minutes remaining.

Crusaders were still testing the Holt defence in the dying stages and were rewarded with a drop-goal with barely a minute remaining.

This win puts Holt into fourth position in their league with six wins out of eight.

On Saturday, Southwold are the visitors to High Kelling. They are having a good season, being placed just below Holt with the same number of wins, but fewer bonus points.

Holt 3rd XV had another good win in their Woodforde's Merit Table, beating Swaffham 2nd XV 65-10 to maintain their mid-table position.