Holt get revenge

Holt entertained Thurston in the return rugby fixture from last October, when they had been rather well beaten and got revenge, winning 36-5.

Both sides had similar league records, with Holt being one place above with a better point's difference and a win would consolidate their league position of fifth.

The day was dry with quite a stiff breeze blowing diagonally across the pitch and the pitch was in excellent condition.

Thurston played with the wind in the first half and from the kick-off gained a scrum, which Holt turned to their advantage and made a blind side break with Bruce Van Poortvliet taking a scoring pass and to run in from 30 yards to score under the posts, Allen was on target with the conversion to put the home side 7-0 ahead after only two minutes of play.

From the re-start Thurston made inroads into the Holt half and aided by a handling error were able to put the home side under pressure for the next 10 minutes.

Eventually Holt broke out of defence to earn a penalty after 23 minutes and again Allen was on target to increase the lead to 10-0.

This inspired Holt to apply the pressure on their opponents, but were unable to add to their lead before half-time with the score remaining at 10-0 and although Thurston at times had looked dangerous, they had been unable to break down the defensive wall they were up against.

Holt started the second half very much on the attack and after two minutes Child finished off a good phase of play by running in from at least 35 yards to score, although the conversion missed, the lead had increased to 15-0 and Holt were beginning to look very confident.

Thurston had other ideas and after a Holt error, which they benefited from, with their prop scoring in the corner, the kick missed, but the lead had been cut to 15-5 after seven minutes play.

Holt with the wind at their backs threw everything into the attack and were unlucky not to score when Hammond was tackled just short of the line after an excellent move.

Unfortunately he was injured in the tackle and had to be replaced, but this made no difference to the home side, as from a scrum immediately after the stoppage, Bruce Van Poortvliet was again there to score another well taken try and with Allen converting it, the score line had moved to 22-5.

This was after 20 minutes of play and with another quarter to play, Holt were playing with great determination and were looking to add to their try tally.

Unfortunately they then lost their new stand-off Crook with cramp, but this made no difference as Isley was then able to take a scoring pass for Allen to convert increasing the score to 29-5.

There were still 13 minutes remaining and although Thurston still contributed to an entertaining game, were up against a side who were playing with great belief in themselves and with two minutes remaining, Tuthill finished off yet another good passing move to score for Allen to complete the formalities with the conversion, making the score 36-5 and with the final whistle going soon after, Holt had gained a very good win and revenge.

This consolidated their league position of fifth and also with the winning margin very much in their favour, had put themselves one point in credit with their point's difference. Overall a very much improved performance, with everybody in the team pulling their weight, including captain Roper, who stayed on for the whole duration.

If Holt can maintain this form, they could be on the winning side for the remainder of their league matches, including home games against Wymondham and Wisbech who are first and second respectively. The challenge is there.

The next two Saturdays sees Holt having a break from league rugby and they have two home games.

Next week against North Walsham Raiders and the following week against Bury St Edmunds Development XV.

The next league encounter is at home to leaders Wymondham on February 16.