Holt 17, Cantabrigian 14THIS was the return league fixture between the sides, Holt looking for a double after winning the first encounter in Cambridge.

Holt 17, Cantabrigian 14

THIS was the return league fixture between the sides, Holt looking for a double after winning the first encounter in Cambridge.

The day was dry with little or no wind and the ground was in good condition. Holt made the early running without any penetration and after seven minutes gave a way the first of several penalties to go behind.

This stung them into action, and following good spells of rugby Robinson finished off a good passing movement with an unconverted try to put Holt ahead 5-3.

After the odd excursion by the visitors into Holt's half, the home side scored again after 22 minutes when Girling was quickly on to a loose ball following a charged down clearance kick to score another unconverted try.

This gave Holt a 10-3 lead but Cantabrigian came back to attack Holt's line and were rewarded with another penalty after half an hour to reduce the lead to 10-6.

Holt went back onto the offensive and Calkin was the next try scorer three minutes short of half-time. With Jones kicking the conversion, the lead had increased to 17-6.

The second half started with the opposition encamped in Holt's half and they were rewarded with another penalty after four minutes to reduce the lead to 17-9.

Holt went back onto the attack and were awarded two penalties in the space of three minutes and a chance to increase the lead, but both were off target.

Cantabrigian then proceeded to keep the game in Holt's half, and although they missed a penalty after 17 minutes it was no surprise when their prop forward scored a try four minutes later. The conversion missed but the margin was now down to 17-14 and Holt had to defend their line for all their worth.

Their visitors were awarded another penalty after 26 minutes, which had it been kicked the scores would have been level.

To Holt's relief the kick missed and with 14 minutes play left they knew they would have to produce something out of the hat to increase their very slender lead, as most of the game was being played in their half.

On the occasions when they broke out of defence they gave away penalties to put themselves back under pressure. Fortunately for them they were not within kicking distance and as the minutes ticked away they hung on to record another close result to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Holt have still to play at home the three sides who are currently above them in the league. If they allow these sides to come back into the game, as with this and the other home games against lower sides, the result will be vastly different.

On Saturday Holt are away to Woodbridge in a return league fixture, having won the home game 17-7 so again will be looking to complete the double.

Their opponents are bottom but one in the table with two wins and obviously will be attempting to improve on this, so Holt need to go there with a positive approach.

They won at Woodbridge last season and their record there is 50-50 over the past few seasons.

Holt are still fourth in the league table, having the same record as Newmarket of winning seven and losing three to date, but with an inferior points difference.