Broadland Gt Yarmouth 2nd 5 – 19 Fakeknham 2nd - Eastern Counties 4N

Fakenham seconds travelled to Broadlands for this important EC4 North League game, as, due to the way the division is set up this fixture and the return will be the deciding two fixtures to decide who will be promoted out of this league and into Division 3. The game was expected to be competitive and it certainly was as can be seen from the score. Fakenham had crossed the line through Ian (Willy ) Williamson but the referee was unsighted and could not award the try but they kept pushing and the first score came at 38 minutes when captain Jonathan Kettell scored a try on the left and Tom Bane-Young converted to take the lead 0-7 in to the half time break. The second half saw Fakenham find gaps in the Broadlands defence, a neat chip saw Sean Whiteside who was having another great game pick up a loose ball and sprint 30 metres to score at try on the left wing, unfortunately the try was not converted, 0-12. Matthew king was having a great game and burst though the defence to score close to the posts and give Tom Bane-Young an easy kick which he slotted over 0-19. The Men of the match Toby Betts and Roger Palmer, one forward and one back, showed the commitment of the whole Fakenham side with everybody putting in a very committed shift in this tough match. Although Fakenham sustained three injuries, two of them were allowed to return to the fray. Neither side gave ground easily in this game, every yard gained was hard fought. Fakenham’s defence was immense through-out the game repelling almost all of the Broadlands attacks. Broadlands had not given up the fight and pressed right up the end of the game when they scored an unconverted try 5-19. The final whistle followed soon after the kick attempt and both sides showed they were relieved for the end of their physical exertions. Fakenham looked totally spent but happy to come away with the win that now puts them in prime spot for the promotion to EC3 North. Fakenham teams have a weekend break from games (which will help some of the injuries to recover) but will have a training sessions to keep sharp ahead of the next games on 5th March when both sides are at home for their League encounters, the 1st against Norwich Medics and the 2nd against Norwich 3rd all supporters will be welcome as it should be a good afternoon of games, kick off for both games is at 3:00pm.