Stowmarket 17, Holt 3Holt RFC travelled into Suffolk to play second-placed Stowmarket in what would be a tough fixture, as their hosts had been scoring an average of 44 points per home game.

Stowmarket 17, Holt 3

Holt RFC travelled into Suffolk to play second-placed Stowmarket in what would be a tough fixture, as their hosts had been scoring an average of 44 points per home game.

Holt would also be hoping to avenge two earlier defeats this season by their hosts, one in the league at High Kelling and the other in the Junior Vase at Stowmarket.

The home side showed from the start with their ball handling why they had been doing well this season and it was of no surprise when they scored a converted try to go into the lead 7-0.

Holt were not dispirited by this and kept up their commitment to unsettle their opponents with some good play by their forwards. They were rewarded when Allen was on target with a penalty to reduce the arrears to 7-3 with half-time looming, but unfortunately Holt leaked a penalty on the stroke of the break to finish 10-3 down.

Holt started the second half in positive mood and dominated the exchanges and kept up the pressure on their opponents and Woods came close to scoring, but was denied by good defending.

Despite dictating the game, Holt could not break through and they were unlucky towards the end, when a clearing kick was charged down and Stowmarket made full use of this by scoring a converted try to give them a winning score of 17-3.

Holt were left to reflect on what could have been, but could draw comfort from their opponents saying they had been in a hard game and complimented them on being worthy opposition.

This Saturday, Holt entertain Southwold in the return league fixture from last December, when they came away with a draw at 5-5.

Holt have two more league matches to play and if they win both, they can certainly finish third.

Holt's II XV recorded a much-needed win in their merit table, by beating Norwich Union 34-12.