All three Holt Rugby Football Club teams triumphed at home and away in their most recent encounters.
With great numbers continuing for training, and no games called off, 60 players wore the Holt shirts on Saturday; Holt had numbers to field three strong sides, with subs.
The day began with pitches covered in a frozen crust but being soft underfoot and with a bright morning forecast, the announcement quickly did the rounds that the games would go ahead.
Saturday was Holt 1st XVs first home fixture since their magnificent win over Stowmarket. Holt welcomed tough adversaries Saffron Walden, last season's runaway champions of the league, and knew they faced a tough encounter with their formidable track record.
Holt knew they would have to be at their best to beat them.
With two places separating the teams, it was always going to be close and, despite the extremely difficult conditions, it turned out to be a highly entertaining battle, or “a war of attrition” in the words of Holt captain Tom Jackson.
Henry Perowne scored in the 1st half and, despite the fog getting thicker and temperatures dropping lower making free-flowing running rugby harder, Ollie Woodrow and Grant McConnell took opportunities to sprint in second-half tries.
Speaking after the game, head coach Phil Sharpe said: “I’m incredibly proud of all the players that represented Holt this weekend.
"We knew the Saffron game would be tough, but we were confident in our skill set and believed, if we kept doing the right things in the right places, we would get the result.”
Post-match, director of Rugby Ashley Woods said: “The set piece and kicking played a huge part in this game.
"Saffron were committed in all aspects but we found opportunities and took them. The large crowd played a huge part also and really added to a memorable performance.
"Our seconds beat Swaffham and our thirds beat Lowestoft and Yarmouth seconds away, so all teams won. We want to keep developing and look forward to exciting games ahead.”
Pre-Christmas and mid-season, Holt 1st XV host league leaders Southend Saxons on Saturday (December 9), and travel local rivals Norwich on Saturday, December 16.
On a final note, Phil said: “It’s crucial not to overlook our Colts and u16s waiting in the wings.
"With almost 300 kids, our vibrant Y&M set up showcases impressive skills on Sundays, ensuring the future bodes well to strengthen Holt’s senior position in years to come."
Match report by Jeanette Edwards
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