Fakenham lose narrowly in revived Banham Cup fixture
Fakenham try scorer Rory Singleton wriggling his way through the Holt defence again. Picture: Mike Wyatt - Credit: Archant
Fakenham hosted Holt in the revived Banham Cup fixture at the weekend and gave a good account of themselves before losing an entertaining game 33-23.
The pre-match lunch, sponsored by Banham Seed Merchants, was attended by nearly 80 people and a good-sized crowd of over 300 turned out to see this local derby.
Fakenham scored first when centre Ian Williamson forced his way over after a series of good handling moves and some quick rucking by the forwards. The conversion was added by Tom Bane-Young.
Holt then produced a series of forward drives and swift backs moves that probed the Fakenham defence, forcing a infringement by the home side and gifting a penalty which Ben Harvey converted.
Fakenham’s attacks were causing problems for Holt however and the visitors in turn infringed at a breakdown, allowing Bane-Young to make it 10-3.
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Both teams produced some fine attacking rugby and blistering defence play but Holt gradually edged the next phase of the game, scoring two tries, one of which was converted, to take the score to 10-15 at the interval.
The second half saw Fakenham on the attack again and No 8 Howard Kellock finished off the move with a try wide out on the left wing but the kick for the extra points missed its target. Holt again raised their game and with some excellent running scored an unconverted try to make it 15-20.
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The seesaw game was to turn again when, after five phases, a swift pass to Rory Singleton saw him dive over to score in the left corner for a try which went unconverted. Holt struck back with a penalty and followed this up with an unconverted try to move the score on to 20-28.
Fakenham responded with a penalty kick to close the gap to five points but Holt looked the more assured team, with their experience of higher league rugby starting to show, and they finished the game off in style with an unconverted try.
The spectators from both clubs had seen an extremely competitive game, with both sides playing expansive rugby with some excellent phases of play.
Saturday will see Fakenham at home for the annual Hogston Crowley Cup game against Eastern Counties One champions Thetford (3pm).
All spectators are welcome.
