The fans at the Stringer Ground were treated to a feast of rugby as we finally returned for the season.

First, the Dereham and Fakenham Barbarians kicked off early to take on Holt 3rd XV, followed by Fakenham 1st XV taking on Holt 1st XV for the Banham Cup.

There was a huge crowd, with parking space at a premium, and it was dry for most of the time, apart from a brief spell of rain at the start of the second half of the 3pm kick off.

Holt got out the blocks fastest in the first game, scoring a converted try to take the lead within ten minutes.

The Barbarians soon shot back with three unconverted tries to take the lead. Someone clearly left their kicking boots at home.

Holt soon struck back with their second try, though it went unconverted.

The Barbarians had the final say of the half, scoring another unconverted try just before the break to leave it closely poised at half time, 20 - 12.

The Barbarians took control in the second half, scoring 3 tries in a ten minute period, with Tom Bane-Young managing a couple of conversions.

Holt continued to fight, and had the final say in the game, scoring a converted try just before the final whistle, making it 39 - 19 at the end.

A great first outing for the Barbarians, two teams coming together to make a formidable force. Tries were shared across the board, with Sam Freeman getting two, and one each for Tom Bane-Young, Josh Pilbrow, Joe Morrell, Steven Clay (Chucky) and Harvey Woods.

The man of the match went to number eight Sam Freeman, who dominated at the break down and made the hard yards. His second try was a bulldozing run down the touch line, leaving players in his wake.

The Banham Cup kicked off 90 minutes later, as the first XV looked to emulate the Barbarians.

Fakenham started well, with fly half Lloyd Marshall drawing first blood after ten minutes through a successful penalty kick.

However, Holt soon took control with two quick fire tries, both converted, to open up an 11 point lead.

Whilst both sides played some good rugby, Holt looked good value for a healthy half time lead before the intervention of Marshall. With just a few minutes before the break, Holt had a lineout in their own half, and spun it to the backs, but Marshall expertly read and intercepted a pass back inside. He then showed a clean pair of heels to the attempted recovery from the defense and ran in under the posts to dot down to make his own conversion easier.

With the successful conversion Marshall ensured his side went into the break just four points in arrears at 10 - 14.

Fakenham upped the intensity in the second half and it soon paid dividends, with centre Murray Tindal scoring after good interplay with his centre partner Aaron Tagg. Marshall slotted the conversion to regain the three point lead his side last held early in the first half.

This time the lead lasted longer, but it was still only fifteen minutes before Holt struck back and regained their advantage. After some strong work in the forwards they moved the ball left and went over to the left of the posts after good interplay amongst the backs. A successful conversion followed as Holt took a four point lead going into the last quarter of the game.

Fakenham fought back and had a sustained spell of pressure on the Holt try line, but they could not get over the line as the away side's defense put in an impressive rearguard action to hold firm for several phases, before winning a penalty and clearing their lines.

It seemed as if Fakenham had blown their chance to win it, but they kept fighting and were soon rewarded. Winger Alex Van Blerk, returning to the side after a year away, showed the strength and pace he had all game to break down the left flank deep into the Holt half. He got the offload away to Tindal, who fought through a couple of challenges before popping the ball up to the onrushing Josh Gee, also returning to the club this season. He showed his trademark pace to get away from the defenders and dive under the posts. Marshall nailed the straightforward conversion to put his side three points ahead once more.

There was just enough time for the restart, and when it bounced into touch, enough time for Fakenham to have one final lineout. After a false start, they got the ball in and out, before scrum half Lloyd Davis, making his debut, kicked it into touch to bring about the sweet sound of the final whistle. The final score was 24 - 21.

A great result for Fakenham, the perfect start to the season as they regained the Banham Cup against a Holt side that will play this season in the league above.

The bumper crowd was treated to a great battle, with both sides giving it their all. Well played to Holt, who fought hard throughout and were unlucky with a couple of key injuries.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to blindside flanker James Howell, although there could have been a number of players selected, as everyone put in a huge shift. Special mention to the tight five who fronted up brilliantly at scrum time, both those that started and those that came off the bench.

Next week sees the start of league fixtures for both the Barbarians and the 1st XV. The Barbarians travel to Crusaders to face their twos. Fakenham 1st XV take the long journey to Sudbury to face their second team. Come along and support the boys wherever you can, all travelling support is much appreciated.