Holt opened their season with a visit to North Wootton, where they duly defended the Cubitt/Maule Trophy which they won last season.

West Norfolk are at present two leagues below Holt – who were promoted for the second year running last season.

Holt dictated most of the early exchanges, keeping play in their opponents' half, and took the lead when Loane scored a try after eight minutes. Holt maintained the pressure, with their next two scores coming from penalties through Young, increasing the lead to 11-0.

On the stroke of half-time Holt scored their second try through Sutch, making the interval score 16-0 in their favour.

The second half started the same way as the first finished, with Jarry-Ryan crossing for a try in the first minute. Young then kicked another penalty and scored a try to increase the lead to 29-0 after six minutes of the half.

The scoring pattern then slowed down and the hosts began to test Holt's defence and were duly rewarded with a well taken try by their speedy right winger, reducing the deficit to 29-5 half way through the half.

Holt then began to take firm control of the match and further tries came from Bruce van Poortvliet, making a welcome return to Holt's colours, Robson and Allen, the last one being converted by Jackson, making his first team debut, to.

Next Saturday Holt are at home to Beccles in their final friendly before the league programme starts at Woodford on September 15.

Holt now play in London 2NE, the same section as North Walsham, who start their programme the same afternoon with a home game against Enfield Ignatians.