Fakenham come through tough test to maintain perfect start to league season
Fakenham try scorer Ian Williamson making easy work of the Swaffham defence. Picture: Mike Wyatt - Credit: Archant
Fakenham hosted a strong Swaffham side on a windy Saturday afternoon.
The visitors put in a strong physical performance but Fakenham came out winners with a four-try bonus point to retain their unbeaten league record.
The wind caused trouble for both sides, with line-out throws going astray and passes not always going to hands.
Fakenham’s scrum and line-out were put under pressure throughout the match by a good Swaffham pack and it wasn’t until midway through the first half that they were finally able to open the scoring.
A slick running line and determination allowed Josh Sperring to get to the try line and touch down, with Tom Bane Young converting.
Soon after the ball was spun wide and Luke Taylor evaded a couple of defenders to score in the corner.
A lapse in concentration then resulted in missed tackles and Swaffham were able to pull a score back, taking it up to 12-7 at half-time.
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The second half continued in much the same manner with excellent competitive rugby. Fakenham’s third try was the result of a well worked backs move using Jordi Walker to draw in the defence and opening a large hole for Ian Williamson to gallop through.
Swaffham got past Fakenham’s otherwise solid defence to score in the corner before Adam Lingwood scored the final home try. The Swaffham defence was expecting the ball to be moved out from a ruck leaving no defenders directly in front and Lingwood picked up the ball, took it straight over the ruck and ran in for the score.
Swaffham were pressuring the Fakenham line right to the final whistle but there were no further scores.
Fakenham held their commanding position at the top and move on to play Beccles away on Saturday (3pm).
The derby match in Eastern Counties Three North saw Fakenham II lose 50-19 at home to Dereham.
Fakenham were unable to handle the strength of Dereham’s runners and found themselves missing tackles and allowing the visitors to run at their line. But they remained competitive throughout and scored three well worked tries through Adam Steele (2) and Sean Whitesides.
Fakenham II play Norwich III away on Saturday (3pm).
