Eastern Counties 1
Ipswich YM 18
Holt 21
A good start by YM in the opening exchanges saw them drive forward into the Holt half with fine phases of play combining forwards and backs, writes Mark Horsfield.
But a Holt turnover was very quickly turned into a dangerous attack which required good defence and exit by YM.
A poor kick chase by YM was then gathered by Holt and they scored under the posts for a converted try to take a seven point lead on eight minutes.
YM re-established their pattern of play from the restart and a penalty awarded to YM was kicked by Barny Horsfield for the home side's opening points of the game.
YM continued to gain some ascendency and were awarded another penalty kicked by Horsfield after 23 minutes, making it 7-6 Holt.
Holt responded powerfully and started to drive into the YM half with intent. The YM defence, such a resilient barrier in recent weeks, was under immense pressure but Holt drove on for a converted try on 30 minutes and a 14-6 lead.
The second half started and YM earned an early scrum penalty. The attacking line out was caught by a tireless Josh Rhind and a maul set that allowed Chris Blom to drive over the Holt try line in the corner.
Horsfield missed the conversion to make the score 14-11 Holt after 45 minutes.
Holt then showed why they are second in the league. The YM defence withheld initial attacks but could not stop them taking advantage to score their third converted try allowing them to extend their lead to 21-11.
YM responded drawing a penalty from Holt and taking play back into midfield through a series of strong phases of play involving Harry Williamson, Jon Harvey and Ched Hervey.
Scrum-half Tommy Hale released Horsfield, who found Blom running a great line, supported by captain Ben Hockley, to score YM’s second try in the corner.
Horsfield kicked the conversion but YM couldn't get any closer as the game finished 21-18 to Holt.
YM next welcome Diss RUFC to their home ground in Rushmere this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
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