Fakenham's fifth league fixture saw them host Wisbech at the Stringer Ground, looking to get back to winning ways after a couple of defeats on the road.

Wisbech have had Fakenham's number in recent years, winning the majority of the games, including both last season. Fakenham knew it would be a tough fixture and physical as always.

The weather was grim. Wet and windy, it certainly wasn't made for expansive rugby, but both sides gave it a go at times. There was an impressive crowd given the conditions.

Fakenham kicked off and took advantage of the conditions to keep Wisbech pinned in their own half. After winning back possession and playing a few phases, the ball was worked to full back Murray Tindal on the right where he squeezed through a challenge and raced to the line to dot down. Fly half Lloyd Marshall slotted what would have been an impressive conversion in calm conditions from wide on the right, let alone with the wind swirling around.

The home side continued to dominate territory and made it count after ten minutes. Loosehead prop Matt King picked from the base of a ruck and powered through the middle. He was tackled 5m short but slid over the line to score his side’s second try. Marshall couldn't add the extras this time from wide on the left.

Fakenham continued to press and Tindal made inroads down the left before he was scragged inside the opposing 22. He managed to get an offload away and onrushing winger Josh Gee latched onto it after a little juggle, before showing his wheels to race through and underneath the posts. Marshall gratefully converted from in front of the posts this time to put his side 19 - 0 up.

At this point, there was a brief break as the referee picked up an injury and was unable to continue. Fortunately, there was a qualified referee watching in Ed Odell, who was able to step in and referee the game that would otherwise have been abandoned.

After this break midway through the first half, Wisbech came out fighting. They enjoyed their first period of sustained possession and territory as they looked to get on the scoreboard. However, the Fakenham defence held firm and kept them out.

With half an hour played Fakenham were awarded a penalty between the Wisbech 22 and 10m lines in a fairly central position. Marshall stepped up to send a kick sailing between the posts to earn 3 points for his side.

There were no more scores before the break, making it 22 - 0 at half time.

The conditions got even worse in the second half, with the wind and raining coming harder and seemingly colder. Definitely a day to be a forward rather than a back.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Wisbech were putting together some phases in attack and had worked into the home side’s 22. They spread the ball wide to the left where one of their front row found space to run in from 10 metres out and score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful from wide on the left.

Fakemham went straight back up the other end from the restart and put pressure on. They found themselves on the Wisbech try line but couldn't get through after some good initial defence. The ball was worked slightly wider where Tindal powered over between two defenders to get the bonus point try. Marshall couldn't add the conversion from the left so it was 27 - 5.

Wisbech got the next score with just under ten minutes left to go. They worked the ball wide to the right where their full back cut through the line just outside the Fakenham 22 and was able to run under the posts to dot down. The simple conversion was added.

Shortly after, Fakenham had a scrum on the Wisbech 22, just to the left of centre. A slight wheel opened up the left hand side for number eight Howard Kellock to pick and charge towards the try line. He broke through one attempted tackle before showing half decent pace for an old boy to get to the line and slide over for the score. Marshall nailed the conversion.

With just a couple of minutes left, there was time for three scrums in succession after repeated knock ons, unsurprising given the conditions. With the clock dead at the last scrum on Fakenham's put in, scrum half Lloyd Davis retrieved it from the base before kicking into touch to end the game, final score 34 - 12.

A great result for Fakenham after a good battle of a game, with their strong start and first half ultimately proving the difference. A mention to the tight five who had the upper hand at scrum time for the majority of the game, and had to deal with quite a few of them.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match would have gone to flanker Joe Airey, who tackled brilliantly throughout the game, repeatedly scything down Wisbech’s big runners at the knees and ankles. However he shot off straight after the game, probably didn't fancy downing a pint. So man of the match went to second row James Howell, skipper for the day in Adam's absence, who found himself in the right place at the right time on a few occasions.

Thank you to Katering4U for the lovely teas once again, especially appreciated for their warmth on days like that.

Thank you to James Peeling for getting his camera out in the wind and rain to get some more quality match photos.

Thank you to the supporters that came out despite the weather, it is much appreciated by the players.

Big thanks to Ed Odell for stepping in to referee, swapping his warm coat and trousers on the sideline for shorts and t-shirt out in the middle.

Next week sees the 1st XV travel to Ely, while the Barbarians take on Diss 2nd XV at Dereham. Get along where you can to support the boys.