U13 Sharks 35 - Holt 20

Thanks to the Southwold 10K run the Sharks had to 'endure' a sunny morning playing quality opposition on a pristine pitch at St Felix while their parents enjoyed Cappuccinos on the sideline, the Saints DPP coach Jim Keeble reffed them all, before everyone had a huge fry-up for lunch. It was tough.

Holt were missing a few Greshams lads but still came with a strong team and an undefeated record against the Sharks over the last couple of years. They are very much one of the clubs we should be bench-marking ourselves against so it was a great confidence boost that the players improved on their matches at the Suffolk Waterfall and all put in their best efforts.

Sam had a superb debut match in the centres, scoring with his first touch of the ball by carving through the midfield and scoring from halfway. Immediately Wold realised they could compete, and although they conceded an equalising score, the game was being played with much better structure and commitment. Sam notched another score but it didn't prevent the Holt forwards gaining a slight upper hand and going into the break 3-2 ahead. Max was having a great competition with Holts forward leader Danny both in defence and attack.

After the break Sam scored two more tries in succession and it became obvious his pace was too much. His own team were starting to rely on him too much and the opposition were standing off, so to reset the game the Wold coaches took him off in the hope the others would take up the slack. To their relief that is exactly what happened and Wold proceeded to play some of the best team rugby of the year. Max got a try wide right after good build up work from his forwards on the left. Will, Fred and Lucas belied their size to improve the front row of the scrum. Savile and Jesse were causing problems in midfield and Lamps was controlling things nicely from fullback, while Louis got everyone organised. Oscar C had his best game for a long while, hassling in defence and running strongly. This all led to a superb team try for Lamps, followed by what should have been a second for Max under the posts only to have the ball knocked free in the last ditch tackle. Jesse got a final score on the left before Holt bravely finished the game with a consolation of their own.

Thanks go the Holt coaches Paul and Ally who ensured their lads played hard and fair. Thanks also to Jim for reffing and the staff at St Felix for a lovely lunch. Holt coaches chose Savile as their MOM, and their players picked Max, but the game will probably be remembered for Sams debut and four electric tries.