Ipswich welcomed Holt to Humber Doucy Lane for a must-win game and played some fabulous attacking rugby in what was ultimately a very convincing 39-24 victory, over tough opposition.

Captain Cameron Beaton said: “It was lovely to win but I don’t think we are anywhere near the finished product.

“Six tries and a bonus point are great and, for me, Will Davis was clearly man-of-the-match – brilliant in both defence and attack.”

Holt scored first, winning a kickable penalty after only three minutes which fly-half Ben Harvey converted to put them three points ahead.

Ipswich drove back immediately and Fijian flanker Tui Uru scored a great try two minutes later after a great passage of attacking team play, but the conversion was missed.

Ipswich pressed again and, after 11 minutes, scored a second as they spun the ball wide right. Centre, Will Davis burst through on the touchline and scored a scintillating solo try in the corner. Once again the difficult conversion was missed.

On 15 minutes, Ipswich scored a third try when fly-half Carlton Littlechild sold an outrageous dummy from first phase ball before breaking and sprinting through to score close to the posts – the try being converted by Tom Potter.

Ipswich were 17-3 to the good with less than a quarter of the game played, but it was close to the end of the half before they posted another bonus point score as Uru scored his second try of the game after a typically robust drive over the line. The conversion was missed but Ipswich turned round 22-3 ahead.

The second half was a different story and Holt fought back impressively, gaining a penalty which they kicked deep into the Ipswich half, winning a line-out five metres out.

As Holt drove close from a maul, the ball was spun left to the blind side and Jeremy Seaman was unstoppable in the corner. Ally Hughes converted brilliantly.

Ipswich lost Jake Goodwin, sin-binned after seven minutes, and Holt capitalised on this to notch a second try as Hughes cut though to score under the posts, before converting the extras.

Ipswich fought back impressively though, with a man down, and a series of strong drives ended with Uru completing his hat-trick – John Lasbrey converting.

Holt were far from finished as they attacked well with ball in hand in the backs. However, an error gave Carlton Littlechild the opportunity to pick up the ball on his own 22 and break clear to run 75 metres and score a spectacular solo try for Ipswich, converted by Lasbrey.

In the next phase of play, Holt attacked but conceded a scrum to Ipswich who pushed too early, conceding an unnecessary penalty deep in their own half.

Holt attacked strongly on the right flank with Bruce van Poortvliet completing a score. Hughes converted with 10 minutes to play.

Holt were then hit as Rob Gray was sin-binned after a high tackle, Ipswich gaining a penalty only 25 metres out and Lasbrey made no mistake with the kick.

Delighted Ipswich coach Jeff Searle said: “That was one of the best attacking performances in recent weeks. I am still disappointed with our defensive shape but this was a crucial win at this stage of the season.”