Once again Holt just missed out in a close encounter as they missed a chance to boost their battle against relegation from London Two North East.

Opponents Rochford tried to move the ball wide at every opportunity but stout defence kept them in the game and with a bit of good fortune the result could have gone the other way.

From the kick-off Holt gifted the ball to the visitors, who recycled it several times before putting away their speedy winger Marcus Spremuli for a try converted by fly-half Matthew Stewart. Rochford kept up the pressure and following a line-out their driving maul took the ball 30 metres upfield for a try which they failed to convert, making the score 12-0.

Having conceded 12 points in as many minutes, Holt started to get into their stride, with the back row of Allen, Shanklyn and Seaman having a noticeable impact on the game. Holt were looking dangerous with the ball in hand and, following a good period of possession, No 8 Jeremy Seaman was on hand to take the final pass for a try converted by Ben Harvey to make it 7-12 at the interval.

Holt started the second half strongly and after a spell of good possession second row Robbie Gray broke free on one of his customary charging runs and as he was brought down he managed to release the ball to Woodfordes man of the match Tim Allen, who touched down for a try. The conversion by Harvey put Holt ahead 14-12.

The turning point in the game came with a yellow card, reducing Holt to 14 players, and Rochford took advantage with two tries during the ensuing 10 minutes. Firstly, their second row Scott Horsburgh crashed over the line from a line-out for a try converted by Stewart and Rochford completed their scoring when Spremuli bagged his second try.

With 10 minutes to go it was the visitors' turn to receive a yellow card and Holt took advantage with centre Hal Riley cutting through for a deserved try, converted by Alastair Hughes, who had moved to fly-half to replace the injured Harvey, making the final score 21-24. With the side above them, Ipswich, also losing, Holt's bonus point closed the gap to 10 points.

Holt seconds lost 21-19 at Broadland and Holt's third team were given a walkover by Broadland.

Holt 21 Rochford Hundred 24