Until well into the second half it looked as if Holt were going to gain a surprise victory over Division 2NE leaders Rochford Hundred – but in the end it was not to be.

Holt were leading 12-13 at half-time and deservedly so, and stretched their lead after the interval before the home side came storming back in the final quarter.

Despite several enforced changes to the side the visitors looked in control from the kick off. Rob Gray settled in quickly to his less accustomed position at prop and Joe Harrison slotted in well at hooker. Flannagan, on the wing showed his pace and within five minutes scored a try converted by Ilsley.

Rochford responded with an unconverted try when their full-back forced his way over the line. Holt continued the half strongly, kicking for position and defending robustly. During a long period of pressure on their line Rochford conceded four penalties, two of which were converted by Ilsley to put Holt 13-5 ahead. Just before half-time a well-executed driving maul produced a converted try from the hosts to make the score 12-13.

The second half started well for Holt with a try by Ilsley which he converted to stretch the vistors' lead to 20-12.

After this Rochford began to dominate possession and scored an unconverted try to reduce the arrears but an interception by Ilsley increased Holt's lead to 17-25 which they tried hard to maintain.

Rochford then proceeded to enjoy a purple patch and were rewarded with four tries, three of which they converted, to move 43-25 ahead.

In the dying seconds Holt's fullback Jackson out-paced the Rochford defence for a converted try which earned Holt a bonus point.

The Woodfordes man-of-the-match was second row forward Paul Amiss.

Holt II were beaten 54-5 by Norwich II.

Holt were leading 12-13 at half-time and deservedly so, and stretched their lead after the interval before the home side came storming back in the final quarter.

Despite several enforced changes to the side the visitors looked in control from the kick off. Rob Gray settled in quickly to his less accustomed position at prop and Joe Harrison slotted in well at hooker. Flannagan, on the wing showed his pace and within five minutes scored a try converted by Ilsley.

Rochford responded with an unconverted try when their full-back forced his way over the line. Holt continued the half strongly, kicking for position and defending robustly. During a long period of pressure on their line Rochford conceded four penalties, two of which were converted by Ilsley to put Holt 13-5 ahead. Just before half-time a well-executed driving maul produced a converted try from the hosts to make the score 12-13.

The second half started well for Holt with a try by Ilsley which he converted to stretch the vistors' lead to 20-12.

After this Rochford began to dominate possession and scored an unconverted try to reduce the arrears but an interception by Ilsley increased Holt's lead to 17-25 which they tried hard to maintain.

Rochford then proceeded to enjoy a purple patch and were rewarded with four tries, three of which they converted, to move 43-25 ahead.

In the dying seconds Holt's fullback Jackson out-paced the Rochford defence for a converted try which earned Holt a bonus point.

The Woodfordes man-of-the-match was second row forward Paul Amiss.

Holt II were beaten 54-5 by Norwich II.