Fakenham consolidated their mid-table position in London 3EC by winning an exciting match that saw them pull away after a tight first half.

The hosts went in front after 10 minutes when Tom Bane-Young placed a speculative kick into the 22 and Murray Tindal pounced on the ball to score, with Lloyd Marshall converting.

Thurston drew level five minutes later with a well-rehearsed rolling maul but Fakenham quickly regained the lead when scrum-half Luke Taylor passed to new skipper Jordan Walker who scored an excellent try under the posts, converted by Marshall.

Thurston once again drew level after some less than impressive tackling but the pattern of the game continued as Fakenham shipped the ball wide on the fifth phase through Damon Howick, Ashley Steward and Jordan Walker to put Josh Gee into the corner for a try.

Taylor then took advantage of a quick tap penalty which was driven on by Rob Ward. He was held up short but Rory Singleton took over to drive it the rest of the way, Marshall again converting. Some slack defence allowed Thurston to get another try back to make the score at half-time 26-21.

With the hosts now looking the fitter and better side some some aggressive forward play from Joe Bane-Young, Rob Ward and Richie Warren allowed Adam Lingwood to cross for a converted try. Thurston managed to regroup and get a try back - but for the final 30 minutes it was all Fakenham.

From a penalty a scrum was taken and won by the hosts and the ball was swiftly moved across the field for Tindal to score out wide, Marshall converting with possibly the best kick of the game.

Harry Richardson was making a real impact from the bench but it was Marshall who scored and converted next after a beautiful long arching run,

The next attack saw two clever moves from the centres to put Tindal in for yet another converted try and Tindal then scored yet another try which was again converted by Marshall.

Finally, after a break by James Howell who kept the ball alive after a breakdown, Walker outstripped the defence to score another converted try under the posts.

Fakenham had come out worthy winners to still be tied with the fifth and sixth placed sides in the division.

There are no games at the weekend but the following Saturday sees a double headed home fixture against Wymondham in London 3EC and Wymondham III in Eastern Counties 3N Merit table (both 2.30pm).