Holt Dragonflies enter their first ever competition

Early March marked a significant moment in Holt RFC history, as the Holt Dragonflies took to the field for their first ever competitive outing, entering Round 6 of the Eastern Region Development Series in Division 2.

What began as a vision at the club very quickly came to fruition.

The Dragonflies were established through the ambition and belief of Holt RFC Chairman Geoff Flather, who set out to see Touch Rugby stand proudly alongside Holt’s other senior sides. To bring that vision to life, he sought out former Holt 1st XV player and international Touch player and coach Soul Phoenix, who has developed the programme under the guidance of Holt’s Head of Player & Coach Development, Richard Garrett.

Leading the side as captain is Ava Woods, whose commitment has set the standard from day one. Rarely missing a training session since the team was formed, Ava’s leadership reflects the club’s heritage, with a focus on shaping its future.  As the daughter of Holt Director of Rugby Ashley Woods, himself a former Holt 1st XV captain during a distinguished playing career, this connection between the past and the present runs deep.

On the day, the squad reflected the breadth of the club. It combined a blend of senior players and parents for whom full contact is no longer an option, alongside ambitious young male and female players utilising the game to add another layer to their rugby development, exactly what the game of Touch was designed to facilitate through its unique competitive scenarios.

The squad was strengthened by friends from Nomads Touch and Peterborough Touch, both Division 1 ERDS sides, with their players sharing experiences and rolling up their sleeves for the Dragonflies cause.

The team will continue its growth and development over the summer, taking in local and national competitions where possible.

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