Holt failed to make it three straight wins in London 2NE when they were beaten by in-form new-boys Sudbury, who secured their fourth win of the season.

In an even contest, the home side ran out winners by four tries to three.

The early exchanges were riddled with mistakes from both sides and after five minutes Holt were penalised for not releasing, Sudbury kicked into the corner and from the line-out crashed over for a try which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

Holt hit back with an unconverted try by Hal Riley following a spell of pressure on the Sudbury line. The conversion attempt failed, making the score 7-5.

Although the Sudbury three-quarters were looking dangerous with their speed of hand and slick passing, the Holt defence held firm until the referee played advantage after a high tackle by the visitors.

The resultant loose ball was secured by Sudbury who edged over in the corner for an unconverted try which took the score to 12-5 at half-time.

Sudbury started the second half strongly and Holt did not help themselves when they were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card. Sudbury increased their lead with a try following a driving maul to take the score to 17-5. Sudbury's fly-half made the score 22-5, with the conversion followed by a drop goal.

The last quarter of the game saw a rush of points as both sides continued to attack. Holt's prop Dane Canning was on hand to finish a move and reduce the deficit but Sudbury quickly responded when Holt three-quarters lost possession and the home side kicked through to score and convert, making the score 29-10.

Holt went straight back on the attack and, after a period of pressure on the Sudbury line, captain Bruce van Poortvielt squeezed over to score a try which was not converted.

Woodfordes 'Man of the Match' for Holt was centre Hal Riley, who scored his third try in three games.

n West Norfolk suffered their first defeat of the season in London 3NE and it was a heavy one, as they went down 57-5 at newly promoted Epping Upper Clapton, who had also won their first three games. Lewys Weaver scored the consolation try.

Beccles' poor start in the same section continued, with an 18-7 defeat at Stowmarket.

In Eastern Counties One Crusaders were beaten for the first time as they went down 25-10 at Ely.

There were a couple of narrow away victories, with Thetford edging home 21-20 at Swaffham and Wisbech winning 17-16 at Ipswich YM.