1st XV
Matches
Sat 22 Jan 2022  ·  London 3 Eastern Counties
Wisbech
35
27
Fakenham RUFC
1st XV
Wisbech 35 - 27 Fakenham 22.01.22 London 3 Eastern Counties

Wisbech 35 - 27 Fakenham 22.01.22 London 3 Eastern Counties

James Howell28 Mar - 09:06
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A physical fixture on the road

Wisbech 35 – 27 Fakenham 22.01.22

The thirteenth round of London 3 Eastern Counties fixtures saw Fakenham travel to Wisbech. At the reverse fixture earlier in the season Wisbech ran out 19 – 14 winners, so another close game was expected, but this time Fakenham were hoping to come out on top.

Like the previous week, Fakenham started the game strongly. They played at a high tempo and moved the ball across the pitch well. After a few phases of possession the ball was passed out to fly half Luke Boynes who made a half break, before offloading the ball to outside centre Murray Tindal who went over for the try. He was unable to add the conversion to his own score.

However, Fakenham failed to keep the game at a high tempo and Wisbech began to take control. Powerful runners from Wisbech took them up to the Fakenham 5m line. A strong line saw one of their forwards crash over from close range and their fly half added the conversion to make it 7 – 5.

With the final play before half time Wisbech were able to add a second try in very similar fashion. Strong running took them into Fakenham territory, before they began to pick and drive. Despite the best efforts of the Fakenham defence, Wisbech eventually managed to power over. The conversion was good again to put the half time score at 14 – 5.

Fakenham looked to start the second half as they had the first. A penalty in the middle of the pitch, just outside the Wisbech 22 gave Fakenham the opportunity to reduce the arrears. Tindal was successful with his kick at goal to put Fakenham within a score at 14 – 8.

However, Wisbech continued to control the game and play it at their pace. They scored another try through their power game, which was again converted. Soon after, Wisbech secured the bonus point try. A good line in the middle of the pitch took them behind the Fakenham defence before an offload sent Wisbech over for the points. A further conversion left the score at 28 – 8.

With the ball in hand, Fakenham were still dangerous. After managing to hold onto possession for some time, Fakenham moved into Wisbech territory. They were awarded a penalty 5m out which Tindal took with a quick tap to crash over from close range. He followed with a quick conversion which brought Fakenham within two scores.

Fakenham were unable to hold onto the ball as they needed to, and a knock on their own 22 gave Wisbech a strong platform. Fakenham had a player sin binned during their defensive efforts. A fifth try for Wisbech soon followed, as a strong forward runner came from out wide back in towards the break down and barreled over. The Wisbech fly half kicked the conversion once again, leaving him at an impressive 100% conversion rate for the day.
Despite being down to 14 men, Fakenham continued to fight and finally resumed the tempo with which they had started the game. A number of phases saw them make some space out wide on the right hand side and inside centre Ashley Stewart was able to dive over in the corner. Unfortunately the tricky conversion was unsuccessful.

With ten seconds left to play in the game from the restart, Fakenham needed to hold onto possession. They did this very well, moving the ball into Wisbech territory through hard forward running and some good hands amongst the backs to put players in space. Fakenham moved into the Wisbech 22 before flanker Patrick Lound powered over for Fakenham’s crucial fourth try, with the clock deep into the red. The conversion from Tindal was successful, leaving the final score at 35 – 27, Fakenham just short of a losing bonus point. They did however leave with a four try bonus point.

A disappointing result for Fakenham, who had been hoping to turn around the result from the last meeting. Whilst they showed promise at the start of the game and at the end, especially scoring two tries with 14 men, it was Fakenham’s inability to put together an 80 minute performance that let them down again as it has previously this season.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match for Fakenham was winger Jamie Tuck. He carried powerfully and tackled well throughout the game.

Next week sees Fakenham 1st XV travel to Thetford for a fixture that doubles as a league and cup game. Fakenham won the home fixture earlier in the season 40 – 12 so will be aiming for a similar result this time out. Fakenham 2nd XV host Thetford 2s at the Stringer Ground. All support would be much appreciated.

Match details

Match date

Sat 22 Jan 2022

Kickoff

14:00

Meet time

11:15

Instructions

11:15 @ Fakenham or 12:30 @ Wisbech.
Wisbech RUFC, Chapel Rd, PE13 1RG

Competition

London 3 Eastern Counties

League position

6
Wisbech
7
Fakenham
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Team Kit Sponsor - Collin Marshall & Son
Pitchside Board Advertiser - Butcher Andrews
Shirt - Bruce Towers & Sons Ltd
Shirt - UPP
Shirt - Fakenham Fires
Shirt - Fakenham Farm & Equine Vets
Shirt - James & Milton Drilling Ltd
Shirt - Big Sky Construction
Board - Katering4U