Fakenham's twentieth, and final, league game of the season saw them host Woodbridge at the Stringer Ground. Woodbridge won the reverse fixture at their place in the first league game of the season.

Having secured second place and promotion last week, Woodbridge were travelling knowing where they would finish. Fakenham, on the other hand, knew they could finish as high as fourth, or as low as eighth if results went against them.

There was a pre match luncheon sponsored by AOT engineering, provided by Bayfield Catering. The large crowd was supplemented by Woodbridge bringing a coach of their own. Supporters of both sides were able to look forward to an entertaining game of rugby, with a bright blue sky, warm weather and minimal wind allowing for some free flowing rugby.

The away side started the game very strongly, with two converted tries in six minutes. Strong carrying into dog legged defense allowed Woodbridge to cut through to maximum effect.

Fakenham soon struck back. Just a few minutes later, they spread the ball wide to winger Lewis Wall on the right, who finished well by stepping in off his wing, shrugging off an attempted tackle and sprinting over the line, dotting down to the right of the posts. Fly half Lloyd Marshall slotted the conversion.

Three minutes later, Fakenham levelled things through inside centre Murray Tindal, who broke into space after second row Connor Robinson powered through and got an offload away. Despite having captain Adam Lingwood screaming for the ball to the right, Muz cut inside the final defender and scored the try himself. Once more Marshall converted successfully to make it 14 - 14 after just thirteen breathless minutes.

Fakenham scored again shortly thereafter to take the lead for the first time. The ball was worked to left winger Ashley Stewart, who showed his strength to power through the final attempted tackle and scored wide on the left. Marshall slotted an impressive conversion from wide on the left.

Just under ten minutes later, Fakenham secured the try bonus point with their fourth try in a row without response. This time, Marshall cut through himself to dot down, before converting his own score from the right of the posts.

At that point Woodbridge fired back, scoring their third try on the brink of half time, although it went unconverted. This meant the score was 28 - 19 at the break.

That momentum swing at the end of the half proved decisive, as the away side carried it into the second period. They scored an unconverted try after six minutes to go within four points.

Less than ten minutes later Woodbridge scored again to regain the lead. This time, they converted to go three points ahead.

A tense period followed as neither side scored for fifteen minutes, with defenses holding out firm.

A penalty allowed Woodbridge to successfully kick at goal and extend their lead. Another penalty a few minutes after extended the away side’s lead out to nine points, crucially two scores ahead.

Fakenham scored a try five minutes later through full back Tom Bane-Young, finishing off a good team try on the left. Marshall hit the conversion to bring his side within two points.

However, two quick fire penalties from Woodbridge meant Fakenham had to get two scores with only two minutes left.

Fakenham made a good go of it, but Woodbridge held out. They gave away a penalty fifteen metres in from the right hand touchline, just outside their 22, with the clock dead. As they couldn't win, Fakenham pointed to the posts to try and get a losing bonus point to go along with their try bonus point. Marshall was nerveless in nailing the kick to make the final score 38 - 43.

Woodbridge were good value for their victory, showing strong game management to come back from two scores down and see out the win. Good luck for next season.

Fakenham can be proud of their effort, playing some of their best rugby if the season, but were off in a couple of moments, which cost them the game.

In the end, after the other results were tallied, Fakenham finished the league in sixth, which accurately sums up their season; some good performances and results, especially before Christmas, and some less impressive performances.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to flanker James Howell, who was bemused to get the award. He made a few tackles and ran a few metres with ball in hand.

Thank you to Bayfield Catering for providing the luncheon enjoyed so much by those in attendance.

Thank you to the Galley Street Kitchen for providing pitch side food and feeding the players post game.

Thank you to James Peeling for the match photos once more.

There is one final fixture in the calendar for the first team, against the President's XV next week. So come down and enjoy the rugby and post season awards to see the 2025/26 season out.