Fakenham travelled to league leaders Ely Tigers on Halloween, knowing it would be another tough fixture.

Much nicer weather this week was enjoyed by players and supporters alike, as it stayed dry with no real wind to speak of. There was a large crowd in support of Ely, with a few hardcore Fakenham supporters making the journey.

Ely started strongly, getting on the board after just a couple of minutes with a converted try after some quick phases and powered over just to the left of the posts.

Fakenham fired back with a try of their own, after fly half Lloyd Marshall made a break through the middle. After drawing the last defender, he passed to captain and number eight Adam Lingwood just outside the 22. He showed some filthy footwork to step one last defender, before dotting down to score. Marshall then slotted the conversion to draw his side level.

Ely worked straight back into Fakenham's half, going through the phases and making good ground through their impressive attack. They then kicked through on the left wing and managed to win the race to dive on the ball over the try line to score. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Fifteen minutes later, Ely scored two quick fire tries, first going over wide on the left before scoring on the right. Both went unconverted to leave it 22 - 7.

Fakenham fought back and scored 5 minutes later. A lineout on the right, 5 metres out from the Ely try line gave Fakenham a good attacking platform. They moved the ball into the middle of the pitch where flanker Josh Sperring attracted the attention of two defenders before pulling the ball back to inside centre Cameron Baldock. He ran through a hole to stroll in untouched and dot down next to the posts. Marshall nailed the simple conversion.

The away side scored again soon after. Having moved up the pitch, they went through a few phases on the Ely try line, but the home defense held firm. The ball was then popped out a little wider to full back Tom Bane-Young, who showed great strength to power over from close range. Marshall couldn't add the extras this time from wide on the left, but his side were now only 3 points adrift.

As the first half came to a close, Fakenham were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, just inside the Ely 22. Marshall slotted the penalty kick with the final act of the half to send the sides into the break all square, 22 - 22.

Ely got the first points of the second half, scoring a try after an impressive kick return down their left wing. A successful conversion followed.

Just a few minutes later they got another converted try, this time after working down the right wing.

Shortly thereafter, Fakenham scored their fourth try, securing the bonus point. The backs attacked to the right of the posts, with Marshall putting Bane-Young through a big gap for the full back to dive over untouched. Marshall slotted the extras to bring his side back within a score.

Ely secured their position by getting the next score. After a lineout just outside the 22, they made good ground to get to the Fakenham try line. Just a few phases later they passed out right where a centre ran a hard line back against the grain to get over the line. After a successful conversion gave Ely a 14 point lead, Fakenham had 5 minutes left to try and get at least one more score.

Fakenham were able to work their way into the Ely 22, but couldn't find the finishing touch to get the converted try they needed. The final whistle was blown with the score 43 - 29.

Ely were deserved winners on the day, but Fakenham can be proud of their performance to get a point on the road as a result of scoring four tries. Nonetheless, Fakenham would have hoped for another bonus point for finishing within 7.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to scrum half Harry Richardson, who controlled the ball well for his side and injected pace well when needed.

Next week the 1st XV finally have a week off. In two weeks, on November 14th, the 1st XV welcome Lowestoft and Yarmouth to the Stringer Ground, while the Dereham and Fakenham Barbarians travel to Holt 3rd XV. Get along and support the boys wherever you can.