Fakenham's fourth league game saw them tackle another tough away fixture at Diss. With each side having won their home fixtures last season, Fakenham knew this would be another challenge.

Fakenham won the early territory battle and spent time their opponents’ 22, but could not find the score they wanted.

It was Diss that got the first score, after some good work down the left saw their winger go over out wide. The tough conversion attempt was missed.

Fakenham attempted to get onto the scoreboard via a penalty kick wide on the left, but fly half Cameron Baldock's attempt came off the left hand upright. Another, more central penalty a little later on was slotted by Baldock to get his side on the board.

There were no more scores as a tight first half finished 5 - 3.

The first twenty minutes of the second half continued in the same way, with both sides probing but unable to get over the line.

Midway through the second half, Fakenham had a scrum in front of the posts on their own 5m line. The Diss pack turned on the power to not only win the scrum against the head, but drive Fakenham back over their own line and the Diss number 8 gratefully dotted the ball down as it travelled over the try line. A simple conversion followed.

From the restart, Diss secured the ball and worked it wide before kicking long, finding grass. As the ball bobbled around, it was the onrushing outside centre of Diss that managed to take control of the ball and run it under the posts to score. Another straightforward conversion followed, making it 19 - 3.

Fakenham continued to fight and pushed forward in search of tries, but were unable to get any joy out of a well organised Diss defence.

It was the home side that then scored again, securing the bonus point with their fourth try, once more converted.

There were no more points in the last few minutes as the whistle went with the final score 26 - 3.

Diss were deserved winners, although the score didn't reflect how tight the majority of the game was. Diss won the set piece battle and were clinical with their opportunities in the second half, whereas Fakenham couldn't make their territory and possession count, especially in the first half.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to winger Josh Sperring, who made good ground in the first half down the left to give his side territory, and tackled well throughout.

Thank you to the supporters that made the journey.

Next week sees the 1st XV return home to the Stringer Ground as they host Wisbech, looking to get back to winning ways. Come down and support the boys.