14 players so close to a holding out for a remarkable win

If you just looked at the scoreline you would not know how close Walden came to pulling off a remarkable win.
Travelling up on the long trip to Holt, Walden knew they would be up against it as during the previous 12 hrs and even on the morning of the game owing to illness and other circumstances beyond anyones control they would have to make do with 14 players.
Walden were first on the score board with a penalty after 14 mins as Holt strayed offside in front of the posts.
The home side hit back 5 mins later with a converted try after a good break by their No12 and as they looked to attack again some desperate defence by Walden kept them out. Holt kept the pressure on but captain Mark Kimberley intercepted a pass and ran 90 metres to score wide out and then coolly kicked the conversion from near the touch line to put Walden back in front at 7 - 10.
On the half hour mark Holt gained a scrum 15 metres out and their No8 picked up and charged over the line holding off a couple of tackles to retake the lead.
But Walden dusted themselves down and right from the restart off managed to work the ball deep into the Holt half and forced a knock on. From the resulting scrum Winger and No8 Ben Stapleton picked the ball up from the base and side stepped a couple of defenders before using his strength to reach out over the line to score to put Walden back In front. 12 – 15.
Holt scored their third try when some great passing found the inevitable overlap that was always going to be on the cards to score in the corner.
But Holt gave a penalty away on stroke of half time and Kimberley calmly kicked the 3 points to go in leading by 1 point 17- 18.
Another penalty 5 minutes into the second half stretched the lead to 17 -21 before Holt regained the advantage with a fine passing move resulting in their winger going round under the posts. 24- 21.
Still this did not stop Walden drawing level once again when the home team gave a penalty away just inside their own half. Full back Tom Price stepped up to do his Elliot Daly impression, took aim and the ball sailed over the posts to level the scores.
Unfortunately that was as good as it got and with Holt bringing on Fresh legs they scored 3 more unanswered tries in the last 15 minutes as the valiant effort by every single one of the Walden players could not hold out.
Man of the Match went to centre Billy Powell who having played 80 mins for the Saxons on Friday night drove up at late notice to play another 80 mins of tough rugby setting a great example to everyone who pulls on the Green Jersey.
1- 14 all deserve the greatest credit for digging deep and putting their all into the game that so easily could have gone sour.
The VP's, Supporters and Coaching Team all making the long trip were rewarded with the 'I was there' moment, knowing that they witnessed true grit and determination that I am sure every single one of the players will remember for the rest of their playing days.
Well done all.

If you fancy getting involved we are always on the look out for new players to play either in the first team in London 2NE or the Saxons (2nd team) in Eastern Counties 1West, if you are interested in joining our friendly club please contact either info@swrfc.co.uk or graham.marshall2@ntlworld.com