Fakenham kicked off their league season with the difficult trip down to Woodbridge. After humbling defeats there in the last couple of seasons, they were looking to put in a much stronger showing and set the tone for the season ahead.

Fakenham started the game strongly, winning a penalty that fly half Lloyd Marshall sent sailing between the uprights to give the away side an early lead.

The home side then got on the board themselves through a converted try, taking the lead.

Ten minutes later Fakenham retook the lead through a try from number eight Murray Tindal, which Marshall successfully converted.

In a frantic flurry of scoring just before half time, Woodbridge struck back with an unconverted try that gave them a two point advantage.

This was soon wiped out by a Marshall penalty that put Fakenham's nose in front by the slenderest of margins.

There was time for one more uncoverted Woodbridge try before the break, meaning they lead 17 - 13 at half time.

Soon after the restart, Fakenham went ahead through a try from outside centre Aaron Tagg. Marshall added the extras.

Shortly thereafter, Woodbridge retook the lead they would not relinquish through an unconverted try.

Over the next twenty-five minutes, the home side extended their advantage with three converted tries to take the game away from Fakenham.

Nonetheless, Fakenham showed the kind of fight that they did throughout last season and will put them in good stead for the season to come. A rapid fire double of tries secured the try bonus point towards the end of the game.

First, Aaron Tagg got his second try of the game to take an early lead in the race for the top try scorer. We can only hope he breaks Murray's grip on the award this season. Marshall couldn't add the extras this time.

Then, loosehead Matt King, playing his first season as a front row forward having spent so long in the second row, scored the try to get the bonus point. Marshall made no mistake from the tee this time.

The referee blew the final whistle to end the game at 43 - 32. A deserved win at home for Woodbridge, but Fakenham will be very happy with a much improved performance to come away with a bonus point on the road.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to Matt King, who played the full 80 in the front row and carries strongly as always, topping it off with his first try for six years.

Special mention to Martin Tagg and Sam Collins, making his first team debut, for doing the MOTM and DOTD pints as everyone else had gone. Less special mention to Martin for his usual abysmal attempt at downing a pint, especially given he's a tight 5 player.

Next week sees Fakenham host Diss at the Stringer Ground. Come along and support the boys as they look to get their first win of the season on the board.