Fakenham started their league campaign with the tough, and long, journey to take on Sudbury's 2nd XV. Fresh off the back of their Banham Cup win, Fakenham were looking to start the league off well, although knew they would be up against a good Sudbury side that had beaten them twice in the league last season.

A very warm late September day was welcomed by a decent sized crowd. The shining sun and lack of wind left no excuses for dull rugby.

Fakenham started the game with intent, looking to make inroads into the opposition half after catching the initial restart. However, in a repeated pattern of the first half, they gave away penalties or made silly mistakes to cede control and momentum back to their opponents.

Sudbury made the most of their opportunities. They were clinical and had some devastating broken field runners that took their chances to score three tries, with one conversion, in the first half.

Despite their best efforts, Fakenham couldn't get on the scoreboard themselves and so it was 17 - 0 at half time.

Fakenham were aware they gave away too many penalties in the first half and looked to make amends. As they held onto the ball for longer periods they began to work towards the Sudbury try line.

A penalty in the middle of the pitch gave fly half Lloyd Marshall the option of a straightforward kick at goal to bag three points and get his side on the board. However, he decided to back the team and kick to the corner. The decision was vindicated after Fakenham took the line out less than ten metres out and set up a maul. They drove forwards before number eight Connor Robinson detached and powered over the line from close range. Marshall couldn't add the extras from wide on the left.

Soon after, Fakenham got their second try to bring them within one score. Marshall put flanker James Howell through a hole on half way. In his younger days he may have made it to the line untouched, but as it was the Sudbury winger showed great pace to get back and make the covering tackle. However, Howell was just about able to reach out to dot the ball down on the line under the posts. Marshall slotted the straightforward conversion to make it 17 - 12.

There were only six minutes left but from the restart Fakenham were over ambitious. They played too many phases after catching the ball, and when the ball popped out at the back of a ruck, Sudbury were quickest to respond. They dove on the ball to regain possession and after a couple of phases, moved the ball to the backs. They cut through and after some good interplay dotted down to the right of the posts. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful to leave Sudbury ten points ahead.

Fakemham immediately looked to respond and worked their way to the Sudbury line. After a few tight phases that didn't breach the defence, Robinson came charging onto the ball at pace and carried three defenders with him as he barrelled over the try line for his second try. Marshall couldn't hit the conversion from another tricky position wide left, leaving Fakenham five points adrift.

There was still a minute to go when the restart was taken and Fakenham knew they had to keep hold of the ball and go from their own 22 if they were to snatch the win. They made progress with some strong runs through the middle and worked their way into the Sudbury half. However, as the ball was worked wide to the left it was knocked on into touch and the referee blew the final whistle, 22 - 17.

A very exciting game for the large crowd. A much improved second half performance from Fakenham set up a nail biting finish, but ultimately Sudbury ran out worthy winners, with their discipline and clinical finishing proving the difference in the end.

Fakenham can be pleased to take a losing bonus point from a tough fixture, but their disappointment at not getting the win in the end shows how they've come since last season, when they were blown away at Sudbury.

Once again the Fakenham tight five showed great resilience. They struggled in the scrum at times in the first half, but solved problems and improved in the second half to get the ascendancy at scrum time as the game wore on.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to number eight Connor Robinson. He ran powerfully all day, setting a strong platform and topping it off with a couple of tries to take an early lead in the try scoring stakes. He also timed his rest very well, going off after scoring his first try before coming back on just in time to score his second try. Well played.

Next week sees the 1st XV host a strong Mistley side at the Stringer Ground. Come along and support the boys as they look to get their first league win in what will be another tough contest.