Southwold 6, Holt 29

Holt maintained their good form in Division One of the Greene King Eastern Counties League when they completed the double over Southwold.

Holt kicked off into the breeze and took the game to their opponents, showing determination and positive play. After 22 minutes, Allen put his side ahead with a penalty but this inspired the home side to attack and after 30 minutes they equalised with a penalty.

The hosts moved 6-3 ahead before the break but Holt were happy enough to turn round with only a three-point deficit, knowing that in the second half they would have the wind and slope in their favour.

Holt were quickly on to the attack from the onset and after two minutes put the home side's defence into disarray and Allen was quick to pounce on the loose ball to score under the posts. His own conversion was a formality, giving his side a 6-10 lead and a platform to build upon.

The game was then played from end to end, with the home side doing everything in their power to restore their lead, but again they found themselves up against a rock solid defence, with everybody in the Holt team doing their bit.

The visitors were playing with flair and Young played an important part in the next try. Although a probable scoring pass was knocked-on, from the ensuing scrum, Holt put Southwold's pack under such pressure that they won the ball against the head, for Woods to score a deserved try, with Ilsley converting.

Holt knew they had the game for the taking and Rumsby finished off a move started by Ilsley to score a well taken try, just remembering to touch down within the rather short in-goal area. With Ilsley adding the points, the lead had increased to 6-24 with 10 minutes remaining.

Although Southwold were trying to make their presence felt, they were unable to breach Holt's defence and with time running out, the visitors again were back in the home side's half. Ilsley attempted a drop goal, but by following up his kick he was able to gain the touch down, taking advantage of a Southwold defensive muddle. This try gained Holt a bonus point and with the final whistle going, Holt had emerged as worthy winners.

The victory kept Holt fourth in the table and with four games to play against sides above them, three of them at home, they could yet earn a promotion play-off place.