Fakenham’s nineteenth and penultimate game in the Counties 2 Eastern Counties League saw them travel to Norwich Union. Due to repairs ongoing at Union’s clubhouse, the game was actually played at Norwich Rugby Club. Fakenham ran out 71 – 7 winners at the Stringer Ground earlier in the season and were hoping they could come out on top again. The weather stayed dry to allow for some good rugby to be played.

The game started evenly with both sides getting their hands on the ball and having a chance to attack, though it was the away side that got on the board first. Inside centre Murray Tindal ran a strong line to take an offload from fly-half Tom Bane-Young and go in under the posts. Bane-Young added the conversion.

Norwich Union came straight back, winning a penalty in a kickable position. They were successful with their attempt to cut the deficit to 4 points.

Fakenham kept up their attacking intent and scored two more tries through Tindal, who completed his hat trick after half an hour. The first was based on his strong, evasive running, with an unsuccessful conversion. The next try came from good work from the Fakenham pack, who set a maul that looked destined to cross the whitewash, before they were told to use the ball and it was spread wide for Tindal to finish off. Bane-Young added the two points this time to make the score 3 – 19.

The away side kept up their momentum as flanker Ro Ward scored next. A good support line saw him receive the ball in space and he ran in from 22 metres, fending off the full back twice on his way over the line. Bane-Young added the extras.

The final play of the half saw Fakenham extend their lead further and Tindal extend his lead in the Fakenham try scoring charts. He once again showcased his impressive pace to outstrip the defenders and dot the ball down. Bane-Young was successful with the conversion to leave the half time score 3 – 33.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first, with the sides even and both probing. As Union attacked, an offload was intercepted by second row and captain James Howell, who just about managed to avoid knocking the ball on before running in from the Union 22 and sliding over the line. Bane-Young added the extras once more.

Fakenham took the restart and set a couple of phases, before moving the ball wide to the right to substitute wing Jack Bryan-Green, who made ground and sucked in defenders before offloading to flanker Patrick Lound, who finished off the try. Bane-Young was successful with the conversion.

Another Tindal try followed, taking his personal tally for the afternoon to 5, showing strength to go with his pace as he kept going through attempted tackles before eventually dotting down. Bane-Young could not add the conversion on this occasion, putting the score at 3 – 52.

A period of relative calm followed, as neither side could add to their tallies, despite some good phases of play from Union. After good defence from Fakenham kept Union out, they went up the other end of the pitch and managed to score another try. A strong scrum set the platform for Bane-Young to take the ball in the first phase and crash through the defensive line to score, before converting his own try.

Norwich Union showed great heart and never gave up throughout the game. They got the try their endeavour deserved as they made ground with forward carries before fighting over the line and being awarded the try, despite the best efforts of the Fakenham defence to hold the ball up. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

There was still time for one final score. With the final play called, Fakenham attacked from their own half. Another strong run from Tindal saw him offload the ball to Lound, who burst through one tackle before showing pace to run in under the posts from the half way line. Another successful Bane-Young conversion brought the game to a close, with the final score 8 – 66.

A resounding win for Fakenham, though the score was perhaps a bit harsh on a Norwich Union team that showed great heart and endeavour throughout.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to flanker Patrick Lound, who showed great support for his two tries, but also tackled tirelessly throughout the game.

It was great to have James Peeling on the side-lines taking pictures again after a few weeks off, match photos to follow.

Next week sees the 1st XV host Wisbech at the Stringer Ground in their final league game. Wisbech currently sit in second, one place and 5 points ahead of Fakenham, but with a game in hand and looking to top the league. Wisbech ran out 47 – 12 winners at their ground earlier in the season, so Fakenham are looking to overturn that result at home this time round. Come along and support the boys in what promises to be a cracking game.