After a week off from league action Fakenham entertained top of the table Wymondham in what was a pulsating London 3EC game.

A lively start from the home side saw them dominate the first 10 minutes and they had created a number of clear chances before going ahead.

Luke Taylor went blind from a scrum, there was a quick ruck and the ball was spun out to Tom Bane-Young who crashed through the defence to score under the posts, with Lloyd Marshall converting.

If the first 10 minutes belonged to Fakenham then the second 10 belonged to Wymondham who scored a good unconverted try from a driving lineout.

Both sides must have been a little disappointed with their ball retention although many turnovers made for an open and exciting game for the large crowd. Wymondham finally went ahead after 35 minutes with a well worked try that was converted from the touchline. The lead did not last long however as 14 phases of play resulted in Taylor selling a dummy to cross the line. Marshall’s conversion put Fakenham 14-12 up at half-time.

Fakenham started slowly after the break and conceded a couple of soft converted tries to go 26-14 down.

A great break by Jordan Walker almost closed the gap but was smothered by the desperate defence before Fakenham turned the ball over after some brave work by Howard Kellock and attacked from the deep, driving well into the Wymondham’s 22. The forwards, especially through the efforts of Rob Ward, Richard Warren and Matthew King, decided to keep it tight and used the pick and go to soften up the Wymondham defence, resulting in Walker powering over for a converted try. At 21-26 an upset looked a possibility but Wymondham sealed the game late on with a move from an attacking scrum.

Fakenham can feel a little aggrieved at not getting anything from this game despite looking so dangerous in open play. A losing bonus point was the least they deserved for their efforts. Fakenham can now look forward to two away games at first Ely and then Holt (both 3pm) before their final home game against Woodbridge on March 30.

Fakenham II beat Wymondham III 43-35 in their first Merit table game.

With a full side and subs this was a breezy affair with Wymondham narrowly leading for the majority of the match but Fakenham redeeming themselves towards the end to finally take the win from a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Try scorers for Fakenham were Colm Hunt, Adam Steele (3), Jake Blackmur and Luke Peck (2).

The seconds are away to Broadland II on Saturday (3pm).